TSSA thank public and urge ‘final push’ to save ticket offices

TSSA thank public and urge ‘final push’ to save ticket offices   

TSSA rail union has today thanked the public for their overwhelming support in the campaign to save ticket offices and urged rail users to make one ‘final push’ to go well beyond the half million mark in those taking part in the public consultation.   

With one day until the public consultation closes (23:59 on Friday 1 September) unprecedented numbers are opposing the Westminster government’s plans. Last week official figures from Transport Focus showed 460,000 people had already spoken out against the Conservatives’ plans to close most ticket offices in England. 

TSSA has led the campaign to save ticket offices from closure and has consistently urged the public to smash the half million mark in responses to the consultation.   

Since the Conservative government at Westminster announced plans to close most ticket offices earlier this summer, TSSA has been at the forefront of efforts to protect these vital jobs and services.   

TSSA members have engaged with the public and rail users at stations up and down the country. The public have consistently raised concerns regarding safety and accessibility if ticket offices close. Older and vulnerable passengers are worried about being digitally excluded and missing out on the best value tickets.     

TSSA has engaged in joint campaigns with sister union’s including ASLEF and groups such as We Own It and the National Pensioners Convention.   

TSSA Interim General Secretary, Peter Pendle, thanked the public and urged any rail users who have not yet done so to take part in the ticket office consultation before it ends late on 1 September.    

Commenting, Pendle said: “It has been heartwarming to see so many people from across our communities come together to oppose the Conservatives’ foolish and unnecessary plans.   

“There’s still time to make sure that we go well beyond half a million responses to the consultation and send a crystal-clear message that our ticket offices must remain open. 

"We want to thank the public for responding so positively to our campaign, you have made it clear that ticket offices are vital community institutions and must be protected for the good of all rail users.   

“In the last two months we’ve worked with our sister unions, community groups and rail users to warn the government to keep their hands off our ticket offices. It’s clear that the public recognise that ticket offices perform an essential role in making our railways safe and accessible for all.   

“If we lose these services now, we risk losing them for good – we must make one final push and urge the government to think again. The consultation closes tomorrow, we urge anyone who has not yet done so to take part and make it clear that the proposals to close ticket offices are unacceptable.” 

ENDS
Notes  

The public consultation is run by independent travel watchdogs Transport Focus and London TravelWatch. 

TSSA is an independent trade union for the transport and travel industries. We have thousands of members right across the UK and Ireland, working for the railways and associated companies, as well as ferries, bus services and the travel trade.