Huge response to ticket office cull consultation

 

More than 680,000 responses were received to the consultation on train operators’ plans to close the majority of ticket offices in England, which closed last week.

Transport Focus and London TravelWatch said responses from the public and stakeholders, concerns were raised around accessibility, safety and security, issues with ticket machines and how stations will be staffed in future.

The watchdogs said that over the coming weeks they will continue to analyse the train operating company (TOC) proposals and public consultation responses before responding to TOCs by 31 October.

They added that they will publish the response to each train company’s proposals online with an overview of the number of responses received, and the main issues raised in the consultation.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: ‘I am grateful to all who have taken the time to contribute to the consultation and their views will form a vital part of the process as we move towards our response.

‘With more than half a million responses received, we’ll review them and the train company proposals to assess whether or not they will improve the quality of service for passengers according to our criteria.’

Last week, TOCs indicated that they intend to press ahead with their proposals but would ‘incorporate the 'valuable feedback' from the consultation into their plans.

The watchdogs can object to a TOC’s proposal; if they do, the TOC can refer it to the transport secretary for a final decision.

The Department for Transport has published guidance which sets out the approach that the minister will take if this happens.

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