The plan to close train station ticket offices was scrapped yesterday and unions, MPs and more are celebrating the decision.
The cancelled plans to remove ticket offices in train stations across the UK were proposed by train operators and would have led to the closure of almost 1,000 ticket offices and cost around 2,000 jobs.
Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle and Minister of State for Rail and HS2 announced the change on social media.
“We were always clear that if closures were to go ahead, the highest quality of service must be maintained for all passengers.
“Having engaged with accessibility groups, passengers and my fellow MPs throughout, it was clear that the proposals did not guarantee this,” he said on X.
A campaign was launched against the proposal resulted in widespread condemnation by passengers, disability and pensioner groups – and Rail union TSSA were at the forefront.
The campaign drew 750,000 responses – the largest ever for a public consultation.
TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust, said: “We are delighted that the government has admitted defeat and scrapped these wrongheaded plans.
“We have been saying from the outset that railway ticket office and station staff are a vital and loved public service.
“They should never have been under attack in the first place.”
The RMT, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, took to X to celebrate the success of the campaign.
The National Pensioners Convention were just one of many campaign groups that also took to social media after the announcement.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham was a key figure in the campaign to scrap the plan, undertaking legal action alongside other mayors to stop it.
Addressing train staff yesterday, Burnham said: “I hope you will take heart from the huge show of support you have received from the British public.
“We see you, we value you.”
Feature Image: Credit Evelyn Simak via geograph.org.uk
