TICKET OFFICES REFORMS MUST NOT BE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF ANY STATION USERS AS SALFORD'S STATIONS ON TARGET LIST

The Government has today (5 July) announced plans to close nearly every railway station ticket office across England.

This includes stations within Salford at Eccles, Swinton, Salford Central and Walkden which could all be set to soon close.

The move has sparked concerns that it could mean that many passengers will find it hard to book tickets, leaving them disadvantaged. 

Each regional train operating company will publish public closure consultation details on their website.

Ticket office staff affected by closures will be given the option of moving to a new "multi-skilled" role with training provided, the RDG said, with train companies engaging constructively with unions to manage the transition.

Responding to the announcement a spokesperson for Transport for the North said:

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“We understand that the way people buy tickets is changing and that there needs to be reform. However, this should be done in a holistic way, considering the needs of all station users and local communities.

“We are concerned that the focus on ticket office staffing in isolation of wider investment (for example pay as you go ticketing) could lead to disadvantaging certain passengers and communities. We will be working with our partners on a robust response to the consultation using local evidence and knowledge.

“Patronage growth on the railways in the North is strong, albeit people are choosing to travel at different times for different purposes. Done correctly, we can ensure that reform supports growth and the needs of all passengers. But it must not be to the disadvantage of any station users, especially in regards to accessibility and safety.”