LETTERS – NPC welcomes decision

As the Government asks train companies to withdraw plans for mass ticket office closures, the National Pensioner’s Convention welcomes the decision by travel watchdogs Transport Focus and London TravelWatch to object to the closure of hundreds of UK rail ticket offices.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced that he will ask the rail companies to withdraw their plans. But NPC hopes common sense prevails and results in a better understanding of passenger needs and how these can be met.
The transport watchdogs received 750,000, mainly critical, responses to their consultation this summer on train company proposals to close ticket offices and change staffing levels at stations.
Indeed, 99 per cent of responses sent to London TravelWatch were objections.
NPC General Secretary Jan Shortt said: “NPC welcomes London TravelWatch and Transport
Focus objections to the closures of ticket offices and changes to station staff.
“We thank them for listening to the detailed concerns expressed by us, and so many more individuals and organisations who would be badly impacted by the plans.
“It is now time for a passenger-led focus on the best delivery of rail services, not the government dictating to rail companies.
“Concerns around access for older passengers and those with a variety of disabilities were at the heart of our objections to the rail company plans.
“Although rail companies may appeal the decision, we need to move forward now with a consensus from passengers, dedicated staff and rail providers, that will make rail travel an experience to be enjoyed rather than a stressful search for ticket options, digital exclusion and lack of accessibility.”
The NPC formulated their submission to a public consultation after nine rail companies announced their closure plans in July.
The submission also contends that the closure of ticket offices discriminates against older people and disabled people, and breaches both the Equality
Act 2010, and article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The NPC stressed that we do not oppose transport modernisation, “we just require that it be compatible with our rights.”
The suggestion that ticket offices be replaced by ticket vending machines (TVMs), and in many cases roving railway staff whose duties will include selling tickets, is completely unsuitable for those struggling with mobility problems, or unable to access and adapt to digital only ticket transactions.
I’m proud to support such an organisation that really does care for the welfare and interests of all pensioners, as a way of securing dignity, respect and financial security in retirement.

Rodney Sadd
Supporter of NPC
Crowland