Rachel has welcomed the scrapping of proposals to close the ticket office at Redditch Railway Station.
During the summer, train companies consulted on reforming railway station ticket offices. The aim was to move staff out from behind ticket office screens so that more help and advice could be provided in customer-focused roles.
The ticket office at Redditch Railway Station was at risk of being closed as part of proposals put forward by Train Operating Companies.
Since the consultations on the proposals launched in the summer, the Government has maintained that no currently staffed station should be unstaffed as a result of the changes.
The Government was also clear that this must be an open and genuine consultation process, and that the changes must deliver the highest quality of service for all users of the railway.
Following further meetings with accessibility groups and the passenger bodies, it has become clear to the Government that the ticket office proposals do not meet the high thresholds set by Ministers.
The Government has therefore confirmed that it has communicated to the industry that ticket office reform should not proceed.
The Government now expects the Train Operating Companies to now withdraw their proposals and for no ticket offices to close.
Back in August, Rachel raised concerns about the proposed closure of the ticket office at Redditch Railway Station.
A number of concerned residents wrote to Rachel about the proposals, and the town’s MP ensured their voices were heard by taking part in the consultation on the changes.
In a letter submitted as part of the consultation, Rachel urged rail operators to consider the impact of the proposed ticket office closures on blind, partially sighted and disabled people.
Rachel said:
“This Government spent £31 billion to support the UK railway during the pandemic, and reform is vital to improve the service for passengers and secure the railway's long-term financial position. However, this reform must be pursued in a way that delivers for passengers.
“I agree with Ministers that proposals to close ticket offices do not meet the high thresholds set by the Government and I’m very pleased that plans to close the ticket office at Redditch Railway Station have been scrapped.
“This is a victory for everyone who took part in the consultation and ensured their voices were heard.
“I believe our rail services have a bright future ahead, especially with Redditch getting a brand-new multi-million-pound railway station.”
