Train ticket office cull in chaos as crisis talks could last until September
Controversial plans to close almost every railway ticket office in England were thrown into disarray tonight amid a mounting backlash as it emerged consultations could run on all summer.
A public consultation on proposals to shut nearly 1,000 ticket counters is due to end at just before midnight tomorrow.
But the Mirror understands the process could yet be extended following crisis talks between the Department for Transport and train operators earlier today.
It is understood the consultations could even be extended over the summer and could run into September.
Ministers and train companies have been spooked over legal challenges to how the process has been conducted. At its heart are claims that the 21 day consultation was not only too short but also unlawful and discriminated against disabled people.
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It is understood the 15 train operating companies are now considering how to proceed. It could still be that most, or all, stick with tonight’s 11.59pm deadline for responses. But it also throws up the possibility that some, and not others, extend the process. Train companies now back under public ownership could be under the most pressure to act, as they could be seen as more open to a legal challenge.
Train station ticket counters could become a thing of the past (Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock)Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “This shambolic process is falling apart under scrutiny. If ministers had the slightest respect for the travelling public, they would act and halt this sham consultation. Railroading this botched plan through in just 21 days, without consideration for disabled passengers and staff, only risks exacerbating the managed decline of the rail network.”
More than 170,000 responses have been received by passenger groups Transport Focus and London Travelwatch. The Mirror is part of the nationwide campaign to stop the closures, which risk further ripping the heart out of already decimated communities across the country.
Hit hardest will be the elderly, vulnerable or disabled who either cannot use the internet or station ticket machines - or just need or want across-the-counter help.
Research for the Mirror also showed advice from station staff can mean big savings on fares. Even Chancellor Jeremy Hunt complained about railway ticket office closures in his area the day before plans to shut nearly every one in England, backed by his Government, were unveiled.
The Department for Transport said it could not comment on speculation. Two disabled rail users are legally challenging the consultation. Sarah Leadbetter, who is registered blind, and Doug Paulley, a wheelchair user with hearing loss, say it discriminates against disabled people.
They argue the 21 days given to the public to respond to some of the biggest changes to railway operations in a generation is inadequate and unlawful.
Five Labour mayors are also threatening to take train firms to court unless they immediately halt plans. It came as the RMT union claimed railway staff at LNER have been told to take off “Save Our Ticket Office” stickers or face disciplinary action.
The union says it will fight any threat to dock pay “for campaigning to save their jobs.” RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Threatening staff who are fighting for their very futures and for the services they provide in this way is quite disgraceful.”
A spokesperson for LNER said it is an internal matter.
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What is happening with station ticket office closures? We answer vital questions
Q: What are the proposals?
A: To potentially close almost 1,000 ticket offices across England.
Q: Why?
A: Train operators say is about moving staff onto platform concourses, and that only 12% of tickets are now bought over the counter. But there are fears it could lead to 2,000 job losses across the network. Privately, many train operator managers are angry the Department for Transport forced them to make the announcement.
Q: Why the consultation?
A: Currently, ticket office opening hours are protected by Ticketing & Settlement Agreement Schedule 17, which determines the minimum they must remain open during the day. However, staff hours outside of the ticket office in question are unregulated.
Q: Who is impacted by closures?
A: Critics argue the elderly, vulnerable and disabled with suffer the most by removal of ticket offices and staff. There were 242,770 Disabled Persons Railcards in circulation at the end of March, 11% higher than the total at the QA same point in the previous year.
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