Railway Ticket Office Closures 2023-07-13
2023-07-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Rail users are concerned about the potential negative impact of closing ticket offices. The question arises from industry-led reforms aimed at modernising passenger services.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of ticket office closures on rail users?
Operators proposing major changes to ticket office opening hours, including closures, are required to consider the adequacy of proposed alternatives in relation to the needs of all passengers. The aim is to redeploy staff to interact with passengers where they can help most effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific assessment or data on the potential impact of closures, only general statements about requirements and aims.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern among rail workers that despite risking their lives during the pandemic, they face potential redundancies as a result of ticket office closures. The Mayor of London has taken a different approach to maintain staffing levels.
Was an impact equality assessment carried out? Can the Minister commit to saying there will be no redundancies?
The aim is for staff to interact with passengers where they can help most effectively, rather than just selling tickets. Some 99% of transactions can now be completed online or at ticket machines. The Mayor of London's approach involves getting more staff out and helping more passengers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to no redundancies nor confirm if an equality impact assessment was carried out, only discussed redeployment aims.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Several stations in Manchester have experienced significant reductions in ticket office hours, with some losing coverage during rush hour. This contrasts with the minister's rosy picture of the reforms.
How can the proposals result in anything other than a much worse service for constituents and will he ask Northern to rethink?
The train operators aim to ensure ticket office staff can assist passengers where they are needed most. Train offices selling just one ticket per hour may lead to adjustments in opening times. Some train operators look at redeploying staff across networks, including 18 currently unstaffed stations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to rethinking the changes but provided reasons for proposed adjustments and mentioned redeployment efforts.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There is significant concern regarding the consultation period for ticket office closures, which is seen as insufficient. Additionally, there are questions about equality impact assessments and job security.
Will the Minister think again, acknowledge the consultation is a sham, pause it and go back to the drawing board?
The consultation follows a robust process under the ticketing and settlement agreement. There is a 35-day period for passenger groups to take into account accessibility and opportunity requirements while ensuring modern railway practices are adopted.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge concerns or commit to pausing, only defended the consultation process.
Response accuracy