An extension to the consultation on plans to close rail ticket offices across the country has been welcomed by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who said it has given passengers a “ray of hope.
Residents have been given an additional five weeks to have their say on the proposals, which will affect stations including Bath Spa, Oldfield Park, Keynsham, Bristol Temple Meads, Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Parkway and Yate.
Around 600,000 paper tickets were sold from ticket offices in the region last year from booths earmarked for closure.
Mr Norris, who recently met the Rail Minister to raise his opposition to the Government’s plans, has reiterated his calls for ministers to consider his proposals to address the “very real concerns” of West of England residents.
The Mayor believes railway workers should be allowed to continue to sell tickets from ticket offices where appropriate, such as when there is a queue for a ticket machine.
Mr Norris said: “Ministers tried, and failed, to railroad through these botched plans in just 21 days, whatever the consequences, and without consideration for the future success of the railway.
“I urge passengers to use this additional time to show why these proposals are not fit for purpose.
“Everyone knows tickets are confusing. When I catch the train, I am often unclear what is the best value ticket, and if I’m travelling off peak.
“Sometimes it can be cheaper to buy two tickets rather than one! And a machine just can’t second guess if you plan to return on a peak or off peak train – whereas staff will ask. That’s why passengers value Ticket Office staff.
“It is now vital that ministers use the extra five weeks to provide assurances that these changes are actually to the benefit of passengers, and instead of a blanket ban on staff selling tickets, let’s see what works best for passengers in each station.
“We need to do everything we can to encourage people onto trains. Not put up barriers. That’s all the more vital if we are going to try to reach our ambitious net-zero targets.”
Responses to the consultation can be made via GWR here or Transport Focus here.
