Following a Government-backed proposal from train operating companies to close 296 ticket offices in and around London, today London TravelWatch and Transport Focus released their formal objections to closing ticket offices at 296 stations in and around London. [1] Within minutes of the public announcement, Secretary of State Mark Harper flipped the Government’s position and urged rail firms to withdraw their proposals. [2]
In response, Siân Berry AM released the following statement:
“This is a victory for people power. Passengers in their hundreds of thousands objected to these dreadful plans to close ticket offices, and it is great to see our statutory watchdogs standing up against these proposals with us.
“It is outrageous that train operating companies and Government ever thought large scale closures of London’s ticket offices were even worth considering.
“Londoners, from disabled people to those whose mobile phones have died, need a staffed ticket office to assist them in their journeys.
“With 99 per cent of responses in opposition to the proposal, any efforts to close and reduce hours of ticket offices must now be withdrawn.”
Notes to editors
After today’s objections from London TravelWatch and Transport Focus to the proposed closures, train operators may now refer their proposals to the Secretary of State for Transport for a final decision.
[1] London TravelWatch’s objection to proposed ticket office changes. https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/london-travelwatch-objects-to-ticket-office-proposals/; Transport Focus objection to propose ticket office changes. https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/news/independent-passenger-watchdog-publishes-response-to-train-company-ticket-office-proposals/