Rail firms have announced plans for the mass closure of England’s ticket offices to “modernise” the railway, ramping up the battle with unions and infuriating disability and passenger groups.
Was on the cards as soon as the ticket machines appeared at the small stations. Did people really think that was for our convenience?
It’s why the rail unions fight so hard. Everyone joins because they know what’s coming. Driverless trains, barriers everywhere, no staff at all.
I god I hate the barriers, they are always half broken, and have caused so many useful side entrances and shortcuts to stations to be closed.
I’m fine with this. As long as there’s staff by the machines to provide advice and assistance. Although if its going to rain, there should be a roof over their heads. Plus in case a customer gets violent, it would make sense to put up some kind of glass screen too. And maybe a queue system so people don’t bombard them.
The great thing about ticket offices is if you need someone you know exactly where to find them.
Not long come back from Japan where the trains are super staffed and getting around was bliss (other than getting lost in the massive stations). Their train system is also privatised, if they can do it why can’t we?