A PETITION has been launched demanding the Department for Transport puts a stop to the proposed closure of ticket offices at three Coventry Railway Stations.
The petition, launched by Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi, follows the announcement that West Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast plan to phase out ticket offices at the Canley, Tile Hill and Coventry stations as well as Rugby.
A consultation on the proposed reforms runs until Wednesday, July 26, and will allow people the chance to have their say on the plans.
Under the plans, all ticket offices in their current form would close over the next three years, apart from several ‘hub stations’, such as Birmingham Snow Hill, Sutton Coldfield, University and Wolverhampton.
Ms Owatemi said the news was ‘deeply worrying’ for many elderly and disabled people across Coventry as well as ticket office staff.
“Many of those passengers relying on ticket offices will be vulnerable rail users that may otherwise struggle to use digital alternatives, such as apps or ticket machines.
“Passengers in Coventry are already suffering due to the chaos and poor management on our railways, with cancellations at a record high.
“The closure of local ticket offices will only see them face further disruption to their travel plans.”
Ms Owatemi added she felt the consultation, which runs for 21 days, was rushed.
Plans would see staff fill ambassador roles, give advice about rail fares and support customers with accessibility needs.
The rail firms said there would be a ‘visible and accessible staff presence’ on ticket concourses and platforms during staff hours.
The firms said just 12 per cent of all tickets were currently sold at offices, compared to 82 per cent in the 1990s and around half of all sales nationally were now made online.
WMR managing director Ian McConnell said: “Our proposals would mean staff being more visible and available where customers most need them – on concourses and platforms to help with journey planning, finding the right ticket and supporting passengers with accessibility needs.
“We understand that some customers have complex needs and some are less comfortable using digital technology, which is why we will be consulting widely with relevant groups and looking at ways of supporting all our customers to ensure no one is left behind.”
Avanti West Coast managing director Andy Mellors added support and extra training would be provided to help staff to move into new and varied roles with several responsibilities without compromising on the safety of them or customers.
Click here to take part in the consultation or here to sign Ms Owatemi’s petition.
