Both Labour and Green Party voices in Worcester have spoken out against the proposals, echoing the criticisms of the plans by Malvern’s Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin.
Under the plans, all ticket offices in their current form would close over the next three years, apart from several ‘hub stations’, such as Worcester Foregate Street, Birmingham Snow Hill, Sutton Coldfield, University and Wolverhampton.
Worcester Shrub Hill and Malvern’s stations will see their ticket offices close with staff redeployed to assist commuters with their journeys.
The consultation on the proposed reforms was due to end last Wednesday (July 26) but has now been extended until September 1.
Independent watchdog Transport Focus and London TravelWatch have received more than 170,000 comments on the proposals so far.
Labour’s parliamentary candidate Tom Collins has called for ‘a rail network run in the public interest’ and has written to Transport Secretary Mark Harper for more clarity on the proposals.
“We’ve all been in those situations when you just need to speak to a real person,” he said.
“I travel by train regularly yet still often need that help. For people with disabilities or additional needs, a staffed ticket office is vital.
“A decent working national rail network is essential to a successful modern economy. Our rail services should be run for people; reliable, easy to use and accessible.
Green councillor and parliamentary candidate Tor Pingree said the closures would not only put people out of a job but make it more difficult for some to travel.
Coun Karen Lewing added: “This idea to close station ticket offices is another short-sighted decision by a government which does not care about people who use public transport to get around.
“As a train passenger I have found the ticket machines are not reliable and it is hard to know if you have bought the cheapest ticket, especially on long journeys and with the complications of peak time charges.
“By closing ticketing offices travelling by train will only be more difficult, especially for passengers with disabilities, limited mobility or those who are travelling with children.
“Instead of these plans, the government should be focusing on improving train services, such as improving frequency and time-keeping, as well as making travelling by rail more convenient and affordable,” she added.
Visit transportfocus.org.uk/ticketoffices to take part in the consultation.
