British railway ticket offices facing major closures

Rex

Over 100 railway ticket offices are set to be closed or see their operating hours cut under plans by ministers to reduce costs in the industry.

Theresa Villiers announced that nine London Midland stations are likely to lose their offices completely, while seven train operators are looking to cut their hours, including at stations in Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury East.

Around 128 stations are being considered for the first round of cuts, which are part of a plan put forward by Sir Roy McNulty, who is calling for the closure of 752 smilers ticket offices as part of a bid to cut operating costs.

According to the Association of Train Operating Companies the number of tickets sold through the internet has more than trebled in the last five years, while machine sales nearly doubled over the same time frame.

In the same period the number of tickets sold at station ticket offices has dropped by 12% and now accounts for only 35% of the total sales.

But the planned cuts have not gone down well with passenger groups, who say that ticket offices and their staff are essential for people to make sure they are getting the best deal for their journeys.

Stephen Joseph, executive director of the Campaign for Better Transport, told the Telegraph: "Plans to close ticket offices and cut staff in stations will mean passengers are left to fend for themselves when buying a ticket and will result in people paying over the odds for their journey," he said.

"Until the fares system is made simpler and fairer, passengers will need help in getting the best and cheapest ticket for their journey."

Anthony Smith, chief executive of consumer watchdog Passenger Focus, also told the paper: "Access to waiting rooms and lavatories can be affected by this sort of change.

" London Midland has sought to reduce the opening hours or close almost all of their ticket offices.

"We fear that this could lead to passengers feeling less safe at stations and paying more for their tickets than they should."

Rail unions have also expressed concern at about the subsequent problem of job losses.

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