Have your say to save rail ticket offices

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ENDS LATER THIS WEEK

THE Herald is joining its sister paper the Western Morning News in calling on the region’s train operators to abandon proposals to close station ticket offices in the Westcountry.

The controversial proposals would see railway ticket counters in Devon and Cornwall phased out by the end of next year, in line with projected closures across England.

With just a few days to go until public consultation ends, we urge readers to take the time to respond and make their feelings known.

This newspaper joins passengers, protesters and politicians in arguing that staffed desks at railway stations provide a vital service for the travelling public.

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard, the MP for Sutton and Devonport, has already urged city residents to join in the battle, and called upon the government to save Plymouth train station ticket office from closure.

He said: “The ticket office at Plymouth railway station is a lifeline for so many passengers, including lots of disabled, elderly and vulnerable travellers. I will be fighting tooth and nail to save it from closure.”

The Westcountry has a proportionately high elderly population, some of whom may be unable or unwilling to navigate online ticket purchasing or negotiate automated self-service station ticket machines. The loss of railway ticket offices will discriminate against many who depend upon them, including those with vulnerabilities or disabilities.

In addition, it will take away a prompt service that passengers recognise provides invaluable advice. Knowledgeable counter staff can help people plan journeys and save them money.