A RAILWAY company’s £1.8m programme to install ticket machines ready for the new £1 coin may not be complete until after the old coin is no longer in circulation.

Chiltern Railways has revealed that its work to update ticket vending machines at its stations will take place over the ‘coming months’.

The company’s stations in Oxfordshire include Bicester and Banbury, but it would not confirm which stations were affected.

The old ‘round pound’ will stop being legal tender on October 15, following the introduction of the new 12-sided pound coin in March.

Spokeswoman for Chiltern Railways Nicola Clark said: “Chiltern Railways has invested £1.8m to install new ticket vending machines at our stations.

“The new machines will bring increased functionality and a better, clearer buying experience for our customers. Installations are planned over the coming months.

“Many of our current ticket vending machines are already able to accept the new £1 coin. Those that couldn’t be upgraded are prioritised for replacement as soon as the new machines are available from the supplier.

“Customers can continue to pay using coins at our booking offices or can pay by card at our machines or through our app.”

Workers from Oxfordshire County Council have been installing new ticket machines on roads around Oxford to accept the new coins.