All 27 Yorkshire ticket offices closing as up to 1000 to go across the …
Rail ticket offices across Yorkshire will be closed under new plans announced by the government on Wednesday.
The shock announcement saw the government bring forward proposals from Rail Delivery Group (RDG)[1] - an industry body representing private railway operators[2] - to axe up to 1,000 offices. Face-to-face counters will continue at some of the busiest locations[3] but many will be lost under the proposals.
The move to end face-to-face ticket offices has elicited a strong reaction with many worried about the elderly and other who are unable to access online platforms. Passengers will now be forced to use train operators' apps or websites to buy tickets, use the self-service machines at stations or "tap in" with contactless reports The Mirror[4].
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT union, said: “The decision to close up to 1,000 ticket offices and issue hundreds of redundancy notices is a savage attack on railway workers, their families and the travelling public.
"Travellers will be forced to rely on apps and remote mobile teams. This is catastrophic for elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers.”
Mick Lynch (Image: ITV)
However, this has been denied by the Rail Delivery Group. A spokesperson said: "No redundancy notices have been served to staff.
"Alongside public consultations, train operators have issued a letter to trade unions which opens consultation on managing the transition in a way that minimises the impact of the changes - examples include moving to a new multi skilled role and comprehensive re-training and re-skilling, staff moving to other roles and the potential for a voluntary severance scheme.
"Train companies are committed to treating staff, who are hugely valued, fairly and will continue to engage constructively with unions at a local level to manage the transition."
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List of stations impacted by the proposals in Yorkshire:
- Barnsley
- Beverley
- Bingley,
- Bradford Forster Square
- Bridlington
- Cross Gates Yorks
- Driffield
- Garforth
- Goole
- Guiseley
- Halifax
- Hebden Bridge
- Horsforth
- Ilkley
- Keighley
- Leeds Travel Centre
- Meadowhall
- Menston
- Mexborough
- New Pudsey
- Redcar Central
- Rotherham Central
- Settle
- Shipley
- Swinton (Yorkshire)
- Thorne North
- Todmorden
References
- ^ Rail Delivery Group (RDG) (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ railway operators (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ busiest locations (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ The Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Captain Tom's daughter shares 'shameful' holiday selfie as spa complex row rages on (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.examinerlive.co.uk)