Commuters and railway users in the Bracknell area are being urged to give their views on train company plans to axe ticket offices at stations.

Recently, the rail industry launched on consultation on closing ticket offices due to the prevalence of bookings online and through ticket vending machines.

But opponents of the move argue that it would disadvantage those who are less confident about buying tickets, particularly vulnerable and disabled people.

Conservative MP for Bracknell James Sunderland is urging commuters and railway travellers in Bracknell Forest and the wider area to make their feelings known to train operators.

Mr Sunderland said: “Whilst I recognise that commuters working patterns have changed post-COVID and that train revenue is lower, train operators must preserve travellers’ access to face-to-face advice about journeys and fares.

“My expectation is that more station staff will be able to provide advice about fares and assist with ticket bookings including bookings via the ticket vending machines.”

READ MORE: Train ticket office closures: Bracknell residents' anger over proposal

Mr Sunderland called for commuters to respond to consultations being run independently by Transport Focus and London Travelwatch on behalf of train companies.

The consultations have been divided by company, with train services in the Bracknell area being conducted by South Western Railway and Great Western Railway.

The South Western Railway runs trains calling at Bracknell, Martins Heron, Ascot and Wokingham train stations.

Meanwhile, the  Great Western Railway runs services to Crowthorne and Sandhurst stations, as well as the North Downs Line which also stops at Wokingham station.

Mr Sunderland voiced his concerns about cuts to ticket staff at Bracknell station earlier this month.

The proposal to close the ticket offices has been put forward by the Rail Delivery Group which is made up of train operators.

The group has claimed that only 12 per cent of tickets were sold at ticket offices in 2022.

The closure of ticket offices has been opposed by neighbouring leading councillors for Wokingham and Reading Borough councils, who have argued that a lack of offices could impede access to public transport for people who are less confident about buying train tickets.

However, Bracknell Forest Council has not officially responded to the Rail Delivery Group’s proposals so far.

READ MORE: Wokingham Council say closing train ticket offices would be 'hard hit'

You can respond to the South Western Railway consultation by emailing SWR.Consultation@Londontravelwatch.org.uk or by freepost to RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, London TravelWatch, PO Box 5594, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 9PZ.

You can respond to the Great Western Railway consultation by emailing GWR.Consultation@londontravelwatch.org.uk or by freepost using the address above.