BRACKNELL residents say decision to close train ticket offices is “making life harder” as almost 1,000 station ticket offices are at risk of closure.

Plans have been announced for a mass closure of railway station ticket offices in England, a decision that is being driven by the government's pressure on the rail industry to save money.

The proposals by Rail Delivery Group (RDG), aimed at modernising customer service, would see nearly all ticket offices shut down, with only the busiest stations maintaining their facilities.

This comes after RDG claim that only 12% of tickets were sold from ticket offices last year.

In response to the announcement, trade unions, disability groups, and public transport organisations have expressed their concerns, fearing job losses and potential difficulties for vulnerable passengers.

General secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, Mick Lynch, said the union is campaigning to save ticket offices.

He said: “Our union and the travelling public do not want a de-humanised railway that will be a rife with crime and anti-social behaviour, inaccessible to the most vulnerable.

“We will fight these plans all the way and need the public’s support in joining our campaign and taking part in the consultation.”

We asked Bracknell News readers how they felt about the potential closures, with many agreeing that it “isn’t a good idea”.

Residents have shared concerns about how disabled, elderly and vulnerable people will manage without face-to-face support.

Brenda Bailey said the decision is “dreadful” and it will “make things so much harder”.

Karen Argrave agreed with Brenda, she said: “old school like me, likes the over-the-counter personal service, that’s going gone now, sad really, I suppose it’s the sign of the times, but I don’t have to like it!”

Other residents shared concerns about current services that ticket offices provide.

Janice Black said: “They need to sort out internet ticketing first. Certain cheaper tickets can only be bought at the ticket office.”

Mickael Smeeth commented that the idea would be good “if they reinvest the money in better services”, if not it will be a bad idea.

RDG chief executive, Jacqueline Starr, said: “The ways our customers buy tickets has changed and it’s time for the railway to change with them.

“With just 12% of tickets being sold from ticket offices last year, and 99% of those transactions being available on TVMs (ticket vending machines) or online, our proposals would mean more staff on hand to give face-to-face help with a much wider range of support, from journey planning, to finding the right ticket and helping those with accessibility needs."

She added: "We also understand that our customers have differing needs, which is why the industry widely sought the views of accessibility and passenger groups when creating these proposals, and will continue to through the consultation."