26 Jul 2023
Hertfordshire County Council opposes closure of station ticket offices
Hertfordshire County Council has raised serious concerns on behalf of residents around plans to close ticket offices at most stations in the county. The county council’s response to the Rail Delivery Group’s consultation on the plans sets out a number of objections to the proposals.
In its formal response to the consultation, the county council has highlighted concerns raised by residents around:
- How tickets only available from ticket offices can be purchased in future
- A reduction in the support available for passengers who require assistance
- The effect on the perceptions of safety for lone travellers, particularly women travelling alone at night
- The short (three week) original consultation period meaning that the Rail Delivery Group would not be able to build an accurate picture of the effect of ticket office closures
The council has asked that, if train companies are determined to push ahead with closures, that no ticket offices be closed until measures to simplify ticket purchasing have been put in place, and that guarantees are given that staff numbers will be maintained to assist passengers.
Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highway and Transport, said: “The railways play an important role in our communities and economy, and we are clear that any decisions about ticket offices and staffing need to be shaped by our residents and based on a clear understanding of the needs of our communities. We are concerned that the proposed closures will make it harder for some people to take the train, and at a time when we’re trying to encourage more people to use public transport, this isn’t something we can support.”
For more information on the proposed ticket office closures visit Customer Focused Stations (raildeliverygroup.com)
Notes to editors
Hertfordshire County Council is responding to plans put forward by train companies that would mean all ticket offices in the county would close, as part of a nationwide programme of closures. If approval is given by December 2023, implementation would then take place over the next two to three years.
Under the proposals, Hertfordshire would have four ‘information hubs’ located at St Albans, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Watford Junction, where passengers will be able to purchase tickets and seek advice on the more complex journeys.
About Hertfordshire County Council
We are working to build a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire, as we deliver hundreds of services to the 1.2million people who live in the county.
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Above all, we want to be a council that Hertfordshire’s people recognise as being on their side.
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