Sir;- I am writing to highlight the proposed closure of rail ticket offices at stations including new Pudsey which will have a devastating impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to travel independently: stopping people getting to work, health appointments, and seeing friends.
Ticket offices are not just about selling tickets. They provide a reliable first point of contact for many kinds of staff assistance such as arranging sighted guidance through the station and safely on to the train, to advising on any changes to journeys.
Modernisation of our railways doesn’t just mean apps and touchscreens; modernisation means inclusivity and not leaving anyone behind. These proposals must be scrapped.
- Elizabeth Nicholson
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I totally agree with this. Manned ticket offices at all stations are absolutely essential to all of us who may need assistance when travelling by train. Removing these members of staff is very discriminatory and may mean that some people are no longer able to travel and go about their daily lives. This needs an urgent rethink!
There is still time to tell the Government how you feel. The public consultation is open until the 1st September.
Email: ticketoffice.northern@transportfocus.org.uk
Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ
Transport Focus
PO Box 5594
Southend SS1 9PZ
Transport should be treated as a public service not a money pot. Put people before profit.