Ticket barrier / gates

BA-ree-er /ˈbæriə/
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What it really means

The gates at station entrances and exits. Tap your card or scan your ticket to open them. If your ticket does not work, look for the wide gate and a member of staff.

Chinese explanation
车站进出口的闸机。刷卡或扫票开门。如果票刷不开，可以找宽闸机和工作人员帮忙。

Example conversation

A: My ticket will not open the barrier. B: Show it to the member of staff by the wide gate. They will let you through.
A：我的票打不开闸机。 B：拿去给宽闸机旁边的工作人员看，他们会放你过去。

What you could say back

“Excuse me, my ticket is not working.”

Related phrases

Tap in / tap out Penalty fare E-ticket

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Using UK Public Transport: Trains, Buses and the Tube
All Transport
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake