Supporters of manned rail ticket offices, we come bearing brill news. Having been threatened with mass closures earlier this year, it appears that the government has decided to keep ticket offices in England open after all. Today (October 31), Transport Secretary Mark Harper and the Department for Transport have announced that hundreds of English ticket offices will remain open.
The plans were initially put forward as an attempt by rail operators to save money. However, the proposals received widespread opposition.
Passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch both objected, saying that they had major concerns over things like accessibility and ticket machine capabilities. Other significant opposition came from rail unions and disability groups, who said axing ticket offices would cause the loss of huge numbers of jobs and dramatically reduce accessibility.
According to the BBC, ‘the government had asked train operators to withdraw their proposals because they failed to meet high passenger standards.’
All of which is pretty great news, if you ask us. Full of helpful, friendly specialists, they make getting around much, much easier – especially when it comes to tourists and those with accessibility requirements.
Plus, sometimes it’s just nice to interact with a real human being, isn’t it?
Did you see that an immersive, train-themed restaurant is coming to York?
Plus: England is getting a brand-new cross-country rail line.
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