A consultation has been launched about the future of ticket offices at railway stations. The basis of the plan does make sense in that it will redeploy ticket office staff from behind counters and give them a roving role around stations, to help passengers with ticket machines, advise on routes and help those passengers with disabilities, additional needs or travelling with prams/buggies and young children, get around the station and on and off the trains safely.
However, during an Urgent Question on this topic in the House of Commons this morning Greg Smith MP challenged the Rail Minister whether this wholesale change in station operations was the right priority when the real problem that needs addressing, that constituents write to him about (and experiences himself), remains overcrowding on rush hour and weekend services.
To take part in the ticket office consultation, Transport Focus has a useful guide here: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/train-station-ticket-office-consultation/
