Train firms admit ticket office closures will leave elderly and disabled at risk of crime

A closed ticket office

Passengers will be left facing a higher risk of crime when ticket office begin to close, train firms have admitted

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Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 29/08/2023

- 11:53

Concerns have been raised over the Government-backed plan to slash ticket offices at 974 railway stations in England

Passengers will be left facing a higher risk of crime when ticket office begin to close, train firms have admitted.

Documents have revealed that disabled, elderly and vulnerable passengers will be more likely impacted.


It comes as concerns are raised over the Government-backed plan to slash ticket offices at 974 railway stations in England.

The damning report disclosed that rail chiefs have admitted it is possible disabled people will be discouraged from travelling by train, older people will be unable to pay with cash at stations and those with hearing loss will find it harder to get support.

Ticket machines being used

The damning report disclosed that rail chiefs have admitted it is possible disabled people will be discouraged from travelling by train, older people will be unable to pay with cash at stations and those with hearing loss will find it harder to get support

PA

According to the document, TransPennine Express found that vulnerable customers currently "use the Ticket Offices and waiting rooms as a point of safety and refuge" and warned that some may feel "anxious" when they are axed.

The train operator added: "Disabled customers may potentially be victims of financial extortion if they need to give their bank card to others to assist them with purchasing tickets.

"Customers with hearing impairments may find it difficult to obtain information if staffing hours are reduced, particularly if they rely on lip reading.

"Older people may be socially isolated, and the Ticket Office offers them the opportunity to have a conversation with other members of their community."

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While East Midlands Railway said the potential negative impacts include "an increased risk of anti-social behaviour" when there are no staff at stations.

Northern said the "reduction in the presence of staff may create a perception amongst customers that stations are less safe than they are today".

According to South Western Railway, some ticket machines are "not accessible for wheelchair users due to the height of the screen and card reader" and visually impaired customers can find the contrast on the screens "a challenge".

Those with hearing impairments could also find it harder to get advice once ticket counters that have a built-in loop system are closed.

It follows the launch of the GB News Don't Kill Cash campaign to protect our physical currency.

Train platform

According to the document, TransPennine Express found that vulnerable customers currently 'use the Ticket Offices and waiting rooms as a point of safety and refuge'

PA

The People's Channel has taken action to press the Government to protect the status of cash as legal tender and as a widely accepted means of payment in the UK until at least 2050.

The campaign comes amid concerns Britain is fast becoming a cashless society, with more and more shops, pubs and cafes choosing to only accept card payments.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "The fact that train companies own equality impact assessments show the detrimental effect of ticket office closures means the whole endeavour must be scrapped.

"The purpose of closing ticket offices is to open the way for the widespread de-staffing of stations up and down the country.

"We will continue our campaign alongside disabled and passenger groups to save our ticket offices.

"And we will consider taking legal action on disability discrimination grounds if the rail companies and government do not reverse course."

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