PASSENGER FOCUS RESPONDS TO SOUTH WEST TRAIN’S PLANS TO CUT TICKET OFFICE HOURS

South West Trains (SWT) has announced proposals to reduce opening hours of ticket offices at 15 stations outside London. From today these proposals are being advertised to passengers who will have 21 days to have their say.

The independent passenger watchdog is urging passengers to get in contact and give their views on the proposed changes.

Ashwin Kumar, Passenger Focus rail director, said: “It’s essential that passengers tell us their views on what these changes will mean to them. This will ensure that we can give a full response to South West Trains on the likely impact of their changes.

“Our research shows that almost a fifth of passengers don’t want to use ticket machines and passengers travelling in groups, particularly families with children, need advice on how to buy the cheapest tickets available. We are also worried that reduced ticket office opening hours will also mean the closure of waiting rooms and toilet facilities.”

Passengers who wish to comment on the SWT’s proposal should get in contact via info@passengerfocus.org.uk, call the passenger advice team on 0300 123 2350 or write to Freepost PO Box 4257, Manchester, M60 3AR. London passengers can contact London TravelWatch.

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