No train ticket offices in England; read why

Train firms plan to shut hundreds of train ticket offices in England over the following three years.

Under the bids, several train ticket offices in England would stay in large stations, but elsewhere staff will be on concourses to sell tickets, present travel guidance and help people with accessibility.

The project has been met with regard from unions and disability groups. A 21-day public talk has been launched to take the passengers’ views.

Posters have been stuck up in stations, asking the people to participate, after which the government will decide which offices will shut. About three of every five stations has a ticket office, although a few are only staffed part-time.

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“The ways our customers buy tickets have changed, and it’s time for the railway to change with them,” stated Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), representing train firms.

She said just 12% of tickets were sold at ticket offices last year, with the remainder purchased online or from vending devices.

“Our proposals would mean more staff on hand 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,” she said.

The RDG said that if the objectives were executed, more crew would be available across the network than today.

Source – BBC