Mark Garnier, who submitted to the consultation earlier in the summer, welcomes the Minister of State for Transport's announcement today that Train Operators should withdraw their proposals to close ticket offices.
Rail Stations Ticket Office Consultation
This Government spent £31 billion to support the UK railway during the pandemic, and reform is vital to improve the service for passengers and secure the railway's long-term financial position. However, we must pursue this reform in a way that delivers for passengers. During the summer, train companies consulted on reforming railway station ticket offices. The aim was to move staff out from behind ticket office screens so that more help and advice could be provided in customer-focused roles. Since the consultations launched in the summer, I have maintained that no currently staffed station should be unstaffed as a result of the changes. I was clear this must be an open and genuine consultation process, and that the changes must deliver the highest quality of service for all users of the railway. I have listened to colleagues in the House and have engaged extensively with all interested parties.
Following further meetings with accessibility groups and the passenger bodies, it has become clear the ticket office proposals do not meet the high thresholds set by Ministers. The Government has therefore communicated to the industry that ticket office reform should not proceed. I expect the Train Operating Companies to now withdraw their proposals and for no ticket offices to close.
From the Minister of State Huw Merriman MP
