Will you be affected by Train Ticket Office closures?
- Katherine Nicholls
- Jul 15, 2023
- 2 min read
The recent announcement that train firms are looking to close hundreds of train ticket offices over the next three years has understandably caused some worry.
The train companies are looking to cut costs and have said there will still be offices at larger train stations but not for smaller stations around Norfolk and Suffolk, this will be no help to those who live miles away.
Last year, only 12% of tickets were bought at ticket offices and the rest were bought online or via ticket machines so it is understandable that train companies are looking to save money, especially with the Government putting pressure on them.
However, this presents issues for those who do not have access to a smartphone, know how to use one or live near a train station with a reliable enough internet connection to use the self-service ticket machines. This isn't even taking into account the wheelchair-bound users who may need extra assistance or users with impaired vision who simply may not be able to use the machines or a smartphone.
One of my family members enjoys traveling by train but struggles to use the machines due to issues with technology so is concerned about how they are going to buy tickets and access the information they need.
There apparently will be staff walking around the stations during the station's busiest times who can print tickets from a device but again, what happens when there is an issue with internet access? Also, what will happen if someone needs help getting onto the train due to mobility issues but there is no one there due to irregular staffing hours?
Let's be honest, we know what the internet connection can be like in this area, and I have witnessed card devices and ticket machines that have failed to connect, leaving the customer in a difficult situation.
There have been times when due to my Dyscalculia, I have used the ticket machine and accidentally mucked up my tickets but not realised until the day I was meant to be traveling. Thankfully I was able to go to the ticket office and explain the situation and they helped me to get to my chosen location, if faced with that situation now, I would certainly be in a predicament.
If you would like to have your say on the matter, the affected train stations should have posters on the walls with contact details for Transport Focus so customers can share their opinions about these changes.
Customers can also contact Transport Focus at the following freepost address:
RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ
or by phone at 0300 123 2350.
Transport Focus also have information available about emailing responses to your local train company on their website. All responses must be received by Wednesday 26th July.
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