Hundreds of ticket offices across Britain’s rail network have been earmarked for closure.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies, has launched a three-week passenger consultation on plans to close nearly all ticket offices over the next three years.
Only the busiest stations will be left with staffed ticket facilities. Elsewhere, the RDG said, staff would move out of ticket offices and on to station platforms, concourses and ticket halls, taking on more of a ‘customer help’ role.
Currently, around three in five stations has a ticket office, although some are only staffed part time.
“The ways our customers buy tickets has changed and it’s time for the railway to change with them,” said RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr.
Just 12% of tickets were sold from ticket offices last year, with the rest purchased online or from vending machines.
“Our proposals would mean more staff on hand on to give face to face help with a much wider range of support, from journey planning, to finding the right ticket and helping those with accessibility needs,” Starr added.
The plans have been criticised by unions and disability campaigners.
“The inescapable fact is booking office staff are vital because they give passengers advice and assistance on ticket information, station security and can assist those with disabilities, limited mobility or young children,” said Peter Pendle, interim general secretary of the TSSA rail union.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said the closures would have a “hugely detrimental impact” on blind and partially-sighted people.
