Agenda item
Motion - Protecting Train Services
The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Stotesbury and seconded by Mayor Taylor:
“Council:
1. Regrets the announcement by the Department for Transport and Train Operating Companies that ticket offices are due to close over the next three years.
2. Believes that many people require extra support when buying tickets, particularly those who are over 65, have disabilities, or lack access to a smart phone. Council also believes that the current ticket regime in England is needlessly complicated, increasing the need for support to buy the correct ticket at the cheapest price possible.
3. Notes that there will be a complete closure of the ticket office at Euston and that the replacement ticketing support will cover fewer hours.
4. Acknowledges that Watford Junction Station has been designated as a “hub” station and will therefore have some ticket office provision. However council is concerned that this is not yet defined and could lead to a significant reduction in service and jobs.
5. Is concerned that in the long term, ticketing provision will also be removed from these hub locations, having negative consequences for those who are not able to order online or require extra assistance.
Council calls for:
1. The government to rethink this decision and reflect upon the consequences for the most vulnerable of closing ticket offices.
2. A simpler and more passenger-friendly ticketing structure to reduce confusion and ensure all passengers get the best value for money.
3. The Mayor to write to the railways minister to re-state our opposition to these plans.”
Minutes:
The Chairman then invited Councillor Stotesbury to propose the agreed substantive motion which replaced motion 4 on the agenda, which was seconded by Councillor Watling.
Statutory Consultations began on 5th July and will close on 26th
July.
This council believes:
That ticket offices provide a vital service to residents in Watford
and support passenger safety, security, and accessibility. Having a
central place in the station for people requiring advice and
assistance provides certainty and confidence for customers who may
struggle to otherwise locate station staff and also acts as a point
of safety for passengers.
At many stations, access to facilities such as toilets and waiting rooms is reliant on ticket office staff. Many travellers trying to get to Watford Junction will find themselves without help and support finding their way, and this could have a detrimental effect on the local economy – for example, tourists visiting the Harry Potter studios.
Not all residents are able to use ticket vending machines or online
ticketing platforms. Council believes that the current ticket
regime in England is needlessly complicated. Many journeys require
human assistance to ensure customers purchase the most appropriate
and cheapest tickets, and do not incur penalties from mis- booked
tickets. Ticket office staff have a wealth of knowledge which
ensures that customers get appropriate advice for their whole
journey.
This council is concerned the closure of ticket offices will
disproportionately affect disabled, deaf and residents over 65 in
our town who may require extra support when buying tickets, –
as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills or on lower
incomes. Council also notes the possible implications for current
station staff and believes that the closure of ticket offices could
lead to a de-staffing of rail stations.
That there will be a complete closure of the ticket office at Euston and that the replacement ticketing support will cover fewer hours.
Acknowledges that Watford Junction has been
designated as a “hub” station and will therefore have
some ticket office provision. However, council is concerned that
this is not yet defined and could lead to a significant reduction
in service and jobs.
Is concerned that in the long term, ticketing provision will also
be removed from these hub locations, having negative consequences
for those who are not able to order online or require extra
assistance.
This council resolves to:
• • Request the Mayor to write to the Secretary of State
for Transport, expressing Council’s opposition to the
possible closure of staffed rail ticket offices – and in
particular the office/s at Watford High Street and Bushey.
• • Request the Mayor to write to London North Western
Railway, expressing the Council’s opposition to any plans to
close the staffed ticket office/s at stations within Watford.
• • Request that all councillors respond to the
consultations before 26th July to confirm their support for ticket
offices remaining open and for properly staffed rail
stations.
Members debated the motion.
On being put to Council the motion was agreed.
RESOLVED –
This council notes:
With dismay the news that the Department for Transport and the 13 train operating companies it manages have announced plans to close almost all staffed ticket offices in England over the next three years, totalling nearly 1000, following changes to the Government’s guidance relating to ticket office opening hours and operation.
Statutory Consultations began on 5th July and will close on 26th
July.
This council believes:
That ticket offices provide a vital service to residents in Watford
and support passenger safety, security, and accessibility. Having a
central place in the station for people requiring advice and
assistance provides certainty and confidence for customers who may
struggle to otherwise locate station staff and also acts as a point
of safety for passengers.
At many stations, access to facilities such as toilets and waiting rooms is reliant on ticket office staff. Many travellers trying to get to Watford Junction will find themselves without help and support finding their way, and this could have a detrimental effect on the local economy – for example, tourists visiting the Harry Potter studios.
Not all residents are able to use ticket vending machines or online
ticketing platforms. Council believes that the current ticket
regime in England is needlessly complicated. Many journeys require
human assistance to ensure customers purchase the most appropriate
and cheapest tickets, and do not incur penalties from mis- booked
tickets. Ticket office staff have a wealth of knowledge which
ensures that customers get appropriate advice for their whole
journey.
This council is concerned the closure of ticket offices will
disproportionately affect disabled, deaf and residents over 65 in
our town who may require extra support when buying tickets, –
as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills or on lower
incomes. Council also notes the possible implications for current
station staff and believes that the closure of ticket offices could
lead to a de-staffing of rail stations.
That there will be a complete closure of the ticket office at Euston and that the replacement ticketing support will cover fewer hours.
Acknowledges that Watford Junction has been designated as a
“hub” station and will therefore have some ticket
office provision. However, council is concerned that this is not
yet defined and could lead to a significant reduction in service
and jobs.
Is concerned that in the long term, ticketing provision will also
be removed from these hub locations, having negative consequences
for those who are not able to order online or require extra
assistance.
This council resolves to:
• • Request the Mayor to write to the Secretary of State
for Transport, expressing Council’s opposition to the
possible closure of staffed rail ticket offices – and in
particular the office/s at Watford High Street and Bushey.
• • Request the Mayor to write to London North Western
Railway, expressing the Council’s opposition to any plans to
close the staffed ticket office/s at stations within Watford.
• • Request that all councillors respond to the
consultations before 26th July to confirm their support for ticket
offices remaining open and for properly staffed rail
stations.