Local MP Mark Pawsey is urging users of the Rugby Station to have their say on proposals to close Rugby station’s ticket office.
Under guidelines set by the Government, any proposals to close ticket offices must be subject to a 21-day public consultation. Rugby Station’s ticket office is one which Avanti West Coast, the operator of Rugby Station, has identified as a potential closure in a list of twenty ticket offices, which also includes Coventry and Birmingham International. In total, it is estimated that approximately 12% of all journeys made on the railways are with tickets purchased from ticket offices.
The proposals would see tickets available online and through self-service machines such as those already at Rugby Station, with staff redeployed onto the platforms and concourses to assist passengers. Mark has raised his concerns, and the concerns of Rugby residents, with both Government Ministers and with Avanti West Coast about the importance of the ticket office for passengers travelling to and from Rugby. The plans have also faced criticism from passenger groups and trade unions, with concerns raised over access for disabled passengers and getting the best deal on ticket prices when travelling.
You can respond to the consultation online at https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/ticket-office-consultation/, in writing to the freepost address: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ or by email to TicketOffice.Avanti@transportfocus.org.uk. The consultation has been extended until 1 September 2023.
Mark commented:
“As a regular user of the railway service travelling from Rugby to Westminster, I know for myself how valuable the expertise of Rugby’s ticket office staff is. I also know that for a number of my constituents, speaking to a member of staff at the ticket office is the best way for them to buy a ticket, particularly for more complex journeys. This is especially important for those who are digitally excluded, or who have struggled with self-service machines, and it is vital that they are still able to use Rugby station fully.”
Mark continued:
“As such, it is vital that any decisions about the future of the ticket office at Rugby Station is made in consultation with the passengers and users of Rugby’s railway. I would therefore encourage anyone with views on this issue to respond to this consultation on the proposals and ensure that their voice is heard.”