SALFORD MAYOR AND MP'S SLAM RAIL TICKET OFFICE PROPOSALS AS AN 'ATTACK' ON THE MOST VULNERABLE IN SOCIETY

Salford's City Mayor, Paul Dennett has written to the Northern Trains Consultation, voicing concerns and opposition from Salford Council and MP's to the closure of Ticket Offices across Salford.

In the letter co-signed by All three local MP's, the Mayor speaks of the impact closures would have on both residents, the elderly, blind & disabled groups and the local economy.

Paul Dennett, said:

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"Salford City Council and Members of Parliament object to the proposals put forward by the rail Industry and Government to either close. or severely reduce the opening hours or ticket offices at rail stations across Salford.. The proposals would have a significant impact on passenger experience at stations with negative effects on patronage. whilst also acting as a disincentive to use public transport al a time when the aspiration for Greater Manchester is to build and deliver the "Bee Network, a modern "London-style Integrated public transport network and a critical aspect of our endeavours within the city-region tackle congestion on our roads. improve air quality and deliver carbon neutrality by 2038.

"Currently five out of the nine Station's in Salford have a ticket office open for part of the day. Under the proposals put forward by the Rail Industry and Government Northern ticket offices at four of Salford's stations serving Eccles, Salford Central, Swinton and Walkden Stations would close completely.

"The ticket office at Salford Crescent Station would remain open on significantly reduced hours. The
reduce hours at Salford Crescent Station are also being proposed in the evening when visitors who are unfamiliar with the city are likely to visit. Ticket office closures will restrict passengers' access to best value tickets (Inevitably worsening the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on our residents and families). worsen passenger service, accessibility, safety and security and lead to a de-staffing or stations.

"The net loss of operational hours for ticket offices across our network would be 210 hours per week compared to the existing situation."

 

The Mayor went on to say:

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"We view the proposed changes as a major regressive step for public transport's purported commitment to equalities, inclusion & accessibility and passengers who would lose staff assistance at the majority of Salford's stations outside of the morning peak.

"This is contrary to Greater Manchester's development of an Integrated public transport Bee-Network" that is underpinned by six principles: affordable, reliable, accessible. accountable, sustainable, safe."

Maria Brabiner, Labour councillor for Lower Broughton has been out leafleting at local stations to raise awareness this week alongside local campaigners John Catterall and Paul Kelly who are showing support for those who stand to lose their jobs if the closures take place.

The Mayor ended his letter by saying:

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"Ticket Office closures are not just an attack on thousands of station staff who are due to lose their jobs of the proposals in full go ahead. They are a scandalous and callous attack on some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Adding:

"We ask that the proposals are urgently reconsider in light of the catastrophic impacts they are likely to have."

 

We have included the letter in full below.
 

Main Photo ©: Councillor Maria Brabiner, John 'Defo' Catterall and Paul Kelly - Leafletting At Salford Central