Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Scunthorpe Station Ticket Office

20 July 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Holly Mumby-Croft Con Scunthorpe

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Holly Mumby-Croft raised concerns about scunthorpe station ticket office in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP raised concerns about proposed closure of Scunthorpe train station ticket office and reduction in staffing hours.
  • Minister acknowledged debate and explained that closure is part of industry-led process under ticketing and settlement agreement.
  • Minister noted that nearly 70 ticket offices will remain open, including major stations like Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Holly Mumby-Croft Con Scunthorpe

The MP raised concerns about the proposed closure of the ticket office at Scunthorpe train station and reduction in staffing hours. She noted that currently, the station is staffed from 5:15 am to 8:15 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am to 8:30 pm on Sundays, but these will be reduced to 7 am to 2 pm and 9 am to 4 pm respectively. She highlighted issues for elderly residents and disabled individuals who may struggle with digital ticket machines and reduced access to cash payments. The MP also emphasised safety concerns regarding unsupervised waiting rooms and the impact on customer service, noting that nearly 32,000 tickets were sold at Scunthorpe station last year. She called for the Government's intervention to ensure ticket offices remain open.

Other contributors (1)
  • Huw Merriman Con Bexhill and Battle

    Congratulated Holly Mumby-Croft on securing the debate, noting that TransPennine trains propose closing all ticket office windows at Scunthorpe station. He highlighted the industry shift towards digital ticket purchases but acknowledged concerns for elderly and disabled passengers.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

The Minister acknowledged the debate on the proposed closure of Scunthorpe train station's ticket office. He explained that this is part of an industry-led process under the ticketing and settlement agreement, where TransPennine trains must consult with passenger groups to ensure accessibility requirements are met. The Minister noted that nearly 70 ticket offices will remain open, including specific examples like Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road stations. He emphasised that staff will still be available to assist passengers using ticket machines or offering additional support as needed. The Minister reiterated the consultation process and the appeals mechanism for any unsatisfactory changes proposed by train operators.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy