Government plans to close ticket offices offers cold Christmas for millions

Rail union TSSA has warned that the government will meet opposition up and down the country over plans – expected to be confirmed on Wednesday – that would see over a thousand ticket offices close across the rail network in England.  

Lobby group the Association of British Commuters has claimed the Department for Transport is set to announce consultation on mass ticket office closures with Tory Ministers calling for the implementation to begin as soon as Christmas. 

TSSA has a long-standing policy opposing mass ticket office closures, with many members working in these vital roles. The union has previously pointed to the significantly detrimental impact such a policy would have on a number of social groups, making the railways less safe and less accessible. 

Responding, TSSA Interim General Secretary, Peter Pendle said: “We are clear the government will face strong opposition from this union on the totally unnecessary mass closure of ticket offices. 

“Ministers will soon realise that the public have no desire to see their rail network diminished in this way.  

“The inescapable fact is booking office staff are vital because they give passengers advice and assistance on ticket information, station security and can assist those with disabilities, limited mobility or young children. 

“If it’s the case that Ministers want to begin the implementation of closures by the end of the year then they are cooking up a cold Christmas for our members and millions of rail users who will not forgive them for their short-sighted plans. 

“We urge people to take part in the forthcoming consultation in unprecedented numbers so that these daft proposals can be halted without delay, and that we retain a safe and fully accessible railway.”