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| Wadhurst station in the Sussex Weald, 27th November 2021. |
At long last, some good news for the railways — the proposals to close virtually every railway ticket office in England have now been completely scrapped. A quarter of a million responses were made to the consultation: a huge public outcry, and a justified one.
One of the railway’s greatest strengths is, or ought to be, its ability to look after passengers and to give them confidence in travelling. This is something the roads, in the grip as they are of Darwinian principles, cannot do. The steady withdrawal of personnel from platforms and trains and bureaux undermines this great advantage, to say nothing of discriminating against those who are unable to use the grinning machines installed their place.
As my friend Maolsheachlann says, “People power works! Let’s not forget it!”
The day of the climb-down should be a national holiday! Or at least a commemoration!
ReplyDeleteYes, Kiosk Day, and we shall all wear old tickets on our lapels, so that generations to come may know their birthright.
DeleteDear Dominic,
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased to find that you championed the threatened booking clerks.
The line has been held, but only temporarily I fear.
I turned out to protest in '22 when management was denying that there were any plans to close booking offices.
https://www.teignrail.co.uk/whats-new.php#positionclosed
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373973826510518/permalink/1416263705614853/?mibextid=oMANbw
With best wishes,
Colin
Dear Colin,
DeleteThank you very much for your comment, and for your part in saving the ticket offices — especially for being on the 'qui vive' so early!
Will certainly keep an eye out for any second offensive...
Dominic