Following extensive canvassing across Harlow and the villages, local Member of Parliament, Robert Halfon, is demanding for more protections for vulnerable railway passengers in response to proposals to close station ticket offices and redeploy staff.
Train companies, including Greater Anglia, are consulting on proposals that will see staff move from behind the ticket office screens to more visible and accessible roles around stations in order to better support customers. Whilst these rail bosses claim that these plans will see staff able to provide a more personal service for those who need additional support, Robert has expressed his concerns for those passengers who may be disadvantaged by these proposals.
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Halfon said, “Over recent weeks, I have spoken to numerous constituents, received hundreds of emails and letters and visited a range of local stakeholder groups, all of whom have expressed their most sincere concerns about proposals to close railway station ticket offices.
“I share the concerns that any changes to staff deployment will lead to passengers being unable to find staff when they need assistance and to a reduction in the number of staff available at stations. It is wrong that any vulnerable person should have a real fear that these proposals will be detrimental to them and make their journeys more difficult, more dangerous and less enjoyable.
“For those passengers that are not confident in using technology and will be unable to purchase tickets without seeing a member of staff in a ticket office, or those who need extra assistance getting to platforms and boarding trains, these plans threaten their independence.
“That's why I have written to the Railway Minister to urge him to consider my concerns and those of people from across Harlow and the villages before it is too late.”
Local residents can take part in the main consultation before Friday 1st September online at https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/uk-rail-industry/customer-focused-ref…, or share their views directly with Robert who will provide a response on behalf on local people via https://www.roberthalfon.com/form/robert-halfon-mp-railway-ticket-.
