THE decision to scrap plans to close railway station ticket offices, including the facility at Westbury Station, has been welcomed locally.
The plans to close almost all the rail network’s 1,007 remaining offices across the country within the next three years were initially announced in July following what was described as a “collapse in numbers of people using ticket offices” after it was revealed that only 12% of the total tickets are bought at station kiosks. Although the plan was announced by train operators who manage station offices, the group says they were pushed by government in a bid to save money.
The plans were criticised heavily by campaigners who said that those without access to the internet or a smartphone would be “severely disadvantaged”.
However, in a U-turn, the government announced last week that they have asked train operators to withdraw their proposals because they failed to meet high passenger standards.
Westbury Mayor, cllr Mike Sutton said, “The news that the government has scrapped the proposal to remove ticket offices from stations is very welcome and shows that the original plans were ill-conceived and divisive.
“As was shown by the strong opposition to the plans, it was discriminatory against a large section of society such as those with disabilities or those not comfortable with modern technology. Passengers also want to talk to real people and had no faith in the promise to transfer booking staff to public interface roles.
“It shows the value of a sustained public campaign, but is also a warning to those councils considering cashless parking.”
Local campaigner, Dan Martin, has welcomed the news saying, “The decision to keep ticket offices open will provide an important resource to vulnerable or infrequent travellers on the railway network who may be unable to use digital tickets or unwilling to use them.
“Ticket office staff also help passengers navigate the numerous ticket options and provide important information to passengers undertaking long or unfamiliar journeys, which may require changes. Through these interventions, the ticket offices help to keep the railway accessible and convenient for many passengers, rather than a ‘regular’ few.
“Attempts to justify the proposed closures using the example of the London Underground were wholly unsatisfactory because of the significant differences in ticketing between London’s public transport network and the national rail network.”
Local MP Andrew Murrison has welcomed the news, “I’m pleased ministers have listened to customers and intervened with train operators to retain train ticket offices that were under threat.”
