Close all railway ticket offices? This country announces plans for the UK | Union | Plan
According to Sky News on the 5th, the British Railway Operations Group announced plans to close almost all railway ticket offices within the next three years. Approximately three out of every five UK stations have ticket offices, and the vast majority of these offices are owned and operated by railway operators. Against the backdrop of declining revenue, these operators are facing pressure to cut costs.
The British Railway Operations Group stated that data shows that the number of tickets purchased from station ticket offices has decreased by 73% since 1995. Passengers will be required to purchase tickets online or at self-service machines, or use contactless cards to board the train. However, this plan has sparked strong opposition from UK transportation industry unions and advocates for disability rights.
The transportation industry union believes that closing ticket offices will mean significant unemployment and make it difficult for disabled passengers to take trains. The Royal National Institute for the Blind in the UK has stated that it is crucial for ticket sellers to provide ticketing advice, station safety services, and assistance to passengers with disabilities, mobility difficulties, or young children.