We rely too much on our station ticket offices to let them close.
We have launched a petition to oppose the proposed closure of the local train station ticket offices.
Please help to stop the proposed closure of ticket offices by signing our petition here.
Ticket offices are valued resources which help the community day in, day out. And in Sandwell, that is no different.
Alongside all other train operators, West Midlands Trains is consulting on proposals to close almost all ticket offices.
We believe they are short sighted and could lead to an overall reduction in the number of passengers, quite the opposite of what is needed and in direct opposition to the need to encourage low carbon forms of travel at a time of climate crisis.
We believe these plans are not about improving the passenger experience, but rather cutting jobs and protecting the profits of the train companies.
In a recent survey of RMT members, nearly 90% of station and ticket office staff said plans to close ticket offices and make all staff ‘multi-functional’ would have a detrimental impact on the passenger experience and on passenger accessibility.
We know that closing ticket offices will worsen the passenger experience and safety, security and accessibility. The impacts may be particularly severe for disabled and elderly passengers and those requiring additional support.
Elderly and disabled people, and people on low incomes are less likely to have access to the internet and are excluded by the push to online and electronic ticketing.
These plans ignore the much wider role that ticket office staff provide in addition to sales, including providing a wide range of advice and expertise and navigating the complex ticketing system to ensure passengers are not overcharged.
The ticket office provides a point of safety and security, and at many stations access to facilities such as toilets and waiting rooms relies on the presence of staff.
As well as signing our petition, you have until Wednesday 26 July to voice your opposition by contacting Transport Focus here: https://act.newmode.net/action/trades-union-congress/save-your-west-midlands-trains-ticket-offices