Opposition Mounts Against Ticket Office Closure Plan As Consultation Extended
Written by HFM News on 26th July 2023
Opposition is mounting against the plan to close the ticket office at Market Harborough Railway Station as consultation is extended over the summer.
The office is one of over 1,000 nationwide earmarked for closure and a public consultation was due to end today, but has now been extended until September 1st.
The controversial proposal is opposed by many passengers, especially the elderly and disabled, who say it will put them off rail travel.
Harborough District Council leader Phil Knowles met with East Midlands Railway yesterday to register the concerns of the council, rail users and residents about the plan.
The ticket office at Market Harborough Railway Station
Pic: Steve Jones
Cllr Knowles said: “I told EMR that whilst we appreciate the need they have to save money and against the backcloth of modernisation, there is a real danger of a negative impact on sections of our community.
“Many will happily use the internet for ordering tickets whilst for others the prospect of no ticket office will serve only to bring trepidation. I made it clear that it would be well received if EMR would seek a more dovetailed approach.
“The ticket office is important to those who are wheelchair dependent, those who have restricted mobility and restricted sight. It is also a key place for customers to explore the best opportunity to look for the cheapest, value for money tickets – particularly important in these times of a cost-of-living crisis.
“EMR assured me that the station will be staffed from 06.00 until 23.00 and confirmed that the staff will be on hand to support customers and assist where needed, but it’s impossible not to see that amidst this change there is a negative impact for some of our community.”
Rail unions and the Harborough Rail Users group have also voiced concerns about the plan.
EMR say ticket office staff will be redeployed on platforms and concourses to assist passengers, if the closure goes ahead.
Cllr Phil King told HFM the extension will also allow more to clarify how people will be helped in buying tickets if the office shuts:
Have your say here: www.transportfocus.org.uk/ticket-office-consultation/
Passengers Voice Concerns At Plans To Shut Railway Station Ticket Office
