By Lucy Caulkett-
The rail union RMT has recently launched a campaign to stop the closure of 51 ticket offices at London Overground stations including several in Southwark. Ticket offices scheduled for closing include those at Rotherhithe, Surrey Quays and Honor Oak Park in Lewisham . Union members have expressed strong objections to the planned closures, flagging the issue up on social media platform and taking their message of discontent to a number of publications, though not receiving much audience at the moment.
The union’s issue is worth looking at because ticket offices serve a useful purpose that facilitates the experience of travel. It depends whether their are alternative measures in place to substitute the closures and still achieve a positive objective; at the moment, cost saving being the only reason imaginable for the planned closures. The union have argued that passengers may be unable to find the tickets they want on a ticket machine, struggle to get advice on tickets and fares, and could be frustrated by a limited number of machines, as well as a possible increase in concourse congestion and delays. The changes could also disproportionately affect the disabled, elderly and vulnerable, according to the union which also states that passengers who may be less confident using a ticket machine ,may end up being put off from travel in both the short and long run.
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Safety is not expected to be impacted, saying all stations will continue to be staffed from 15 minutes before the first service to 15 minutes after the last service.The company has entered a consultation with rail industry bodies as well as London Travel Watch, who are welcoming views from the public on the proposed closures. The Union say the closures will make it more difficult for passengers to access services, heighten congestion and negatively impacted the disabled or vulnerable who are less confident using a machine.
The union will be leafleting stations affected by the closures on October 3, ahead of Arriva Rail London and TfL completing a consultation on the plans on October 11.The union also argues passengers may be unable to find the tickets they want on a ticket machine, struggle to get advice on tickets and fares and could be frustrated by a limited number of machines, as well as a possible increase in concourse congestion and delays.The changes could also disproportionately affect the disabled, elderly and vulnerable, the union argues, saying they “may be less confident using a ticket machine and may end up overspending or being deterred from travelling”.
Arriva Rail London says its proposals will make more staff visible and available at the stations to provide assistance where needed. The 51 stations earmarked were chosen as they all sold less than 12 tickets per hour from ticket booths.They also argue that safety will not be impacted, saying all stations will continue to be staffed from 15 minutes before the first service to 15 minutes after the last service.
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The company has entered a consultation with rail industry bodies as well as London Travel Watch, who are welcoming views from the public on the proposed closures.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “I am calling on Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to oppose this retrograde plan for wholesale closures in the strongest possible terms. Ticket offices play a crucial role at train stations.
“London needs to welcome its passengers, visitors and tourists not with a machine, but a welcoming and friendly ticket office who can provide a full range of services.
”This is just the latest attack on a properly staffed, safe, secure and accessible railway for all and RMT is determined to halt these plans in their tracks.”A campaign page on the RMT website has been set up to allow supporters to oppose the closures with a petition directly to London TravelWatch, the independent watchdog.
“Arriva Rail London have been engaging with their staff and trade unions and are now consulting with rail industry bodies and London TravelWatch about ticket offices on stations where there are fewer than 12 ticket sales per hour.
“We encourage customers to share their views through London TravelWatch. These proposals will not compromise safety and all stations will remain staffed at all times.”
Arriva Rail London, which runs the Overground services, said it successfully operated sixteen stations without ticket offices, and that data suggests only 5% of ticket sales were made through offices.
Will Rogers, CEO of Arriva Rail London, said: “We have now started a consultation process on proposals to reduce the number of ticket offices on the rest of the London Overground.
“All views will be carefully considered, and all proposed changes will be safety validated before any final decision is made.
“All stations will remain staffed while trains are running, with trained staff available to help passengers who require assistance.”
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