TRAIN ticket offices are visible at every train stop or station to give assistance to passengers but it is now expected that there will be fewer of them in the next three years.
Using the railway system has been one of the major public transportation that the UK government has focused on developing to mobilize its country’s resources, especially its people.
About three out of every five stations have a ticket office to give assistance to daily customers.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) which represents train companies, began a consultation on the future of ticket offices and it has found out that only 12% of tickets are being sold at Station Kiosks on average, compared with 85% in 1995.
This is because passengers are now buying more online or at machines.
They further argued that the changes will enable staff to get out from the ticket offices to offer their passengers other direct customer assistance and services.
Rail unions are opposed to this action and have warned of further strikes.
Some disability campaigners have also opposed this idea, arguing it would hinder accessibility.
However, an RDG spokesperson said that this action would enable the train industry to better meet the customers’ needs and it would secure a thriving long-term future for an economically vital service.
They also mentioned that some will remain in large stations, but elsewhere, staff will be on concourses to sell tickets, offer travel advice, and help people with accessibility.
Industry bosses are expected to confirm a public consultation on the gradual closures of hundreds of ticket kiosks over the next three years on July 5, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport has declined to comment on the consultation.
