Rail Bosses Want to Shut Ticket Offices
Plans to close hundreds of rail ticket offices across the country are set to be scaled back by the government, according to industry insiders.
Public Backlash and Opposition
Ministers have publicly supported the industry's plans, arguing that the railways must be brought into the 21st Century. However, the proposals have faced significant opposition and a public backlash, including from some local Conservative Members of Parliament.
Rails Minister "Watering Down" Plan
Industry insiders claim that Rails Minister Huw Merriman is "backpedalling" and "watering down" the plan to close ticket offices. A source told HOAR on Sunday, "They are dropping it like a bomb."
Meeting with Train Operating Companies
Mr. Merriman called a meeting with train operating companies on Monday to discuss the plan. According to sources, he informed them that reducing staffing presence at stations or implementing "roving teams" would not be allowed, as he had already given assurance in the House of Commons.
Political Difficulties and the Need to Save Money
Introducing the proposed reforms was always going to be politically difficult, but there was a rationale behind them – the need to save money. However, it now appears that the government is watering down the plan.
No Final Decisions Made
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport stated, "While no final decisions have been made by the industry on ticket offices, we have been clear that the quality of service for passengers must be maintained to a high standard. The public consultation has now closed, and independent passenger representatives will review the responses with train operating companies in the coming weeks."
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/new-energy-secretary-claire-coutinho-vows-to-protect-families-from-green-target-costs/
