Today, Tuesday the 8th of August has seen the London Assembly Transport Committee write to London TravelWatch in order to raise its concerns regarding the Rail Delivery Group's proposal to shut ticket offices in stations across the country.
The letter follows stakeholders, revealing their concerns about how Londoners may be affected should the proposals go ahead at a recent Transport Committee meeting regarding London transport.
One of the main concerns raised by the Committee in the letter is that train stations could become inaccessible for disabled customers should ticket offices be closed.
Ticket offices usually represent the first point of contact for passengers with disabilities and are often the only designated point within a station to feature a hearing induction loop, which would impact people who are deaf or have partial hearing.
The letter also asks what the effects of de-staffing stations would mean in terms of safety perception and security on the railway and whether this may impact ridership.
The proposals which would see over 150 see station ticket offices closed in London are out for consultation until Friday the 1st of September.
Keith Prince AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said:
“Ensuring train stations are appropriately staffed is essential in making travel by train accessible for Londoners.”
“The Committee has serious concerns regarding the proposals, which will directly affect thousands of Londoners who rely on ticket offices when purchasing tickets, specifically disabled passengers.”
“Having heard from external stakeholders at a recent Committee meeting, we have provided our feedback on the proposals to London TravelWatch.”
“The Transport Committee is calling on the Rail Delivery Group to carry out further work with affected groups, so that train travel remains accessible for all.”
“Should the appropriate work not be undertaken, then the proposals should not go ahead.”
