Campaigners have welcomed news that commuters will have more time to comment on the controversial closure of ticket offices at Bolton's train stations.
Train operators are extending the time available to respond to the consultation about the closure of ticket offices until September 1.
When the plans were first announced to permanently shut 1,000 tickets offices across the country, with Farnworth, Lostock Parkway and Bromley Cross all listed amongst those facing the axe, a campaign was launched by the Bolton Pensioners Association.
Secretary of the assocation, Bernadette Gallagher said: “We were petitioning yesterday, thinking it was going to be the last day and then we heard about the news very late on.
“We are aware of the news, and we clearly welcome it, I think lots of people were probably unaware of what the deadline was as it was a short deadline, so I am pretty sure lots of people would accept that a 21-day consultation period is completely unacceptable.
“So, I am sure it will be welcome news right across the borough as it will give people time to consider what the problems are with closing ticket offices.
“Currently 97 per cent of respondents to the survey, nationally, don’t want the ticket offices to close.
“There is an absolutely overwhelming rejection from people who use the service.”
Together with the extensive and on-going engagement with accessibility groups, as well as the independent passenger watchdogs scrutinising the proposals, the responses will shape final plans so that all passengers are supported as railway retailing is updated for the smartphone era.
Although local plans vary, overall, the proposals aim to bring staff out from behind ticket office windows to provide more support for customers buying tickets and navigating stations, as they move in to new, multi-skilled ‘customer host’ roles.
Where needed, ticket vending machines across the network will be upgraded to sell a greater range of tickets and in rare cases where customers are unable to buy the ticket they need at a station, they would be able to buy on their journey, at a ticket selling facility en-route or at their end destination.
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Train companies have listened to feedback, and are extending the time available to respond to the consultation on changes to how tickets are sold at stations to 1st of September.
“Operators are keen to give more people a chance to give their views on the proposals, so they can bring the railway up to date with dramatic shifts in customer buying habits, while supporting all its customers as the railway evolves and adapts.
“While local plans vary, the aim of the proposals is to bring staff out from behind ticket office windows to offer more help for customers buying tickets and navigating stations.
“At the same time ticket vending machines are being upgraded to offer a wider range of fares, and we have committed that no customer will have to go out of their way to buy a ticket.
“We encourage those who want to view the plans or take part to go to their local train company website or visit Transport Focus or London Travel Watch during the consultation period.”
Customers who wish to view the plans should to go their local train company websites or visit https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/train-station-ticket-office-consultation or https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/ticket-offices-have-your-say/ by 1 September 2023.
This weekend there will also be industrial action by the RMT union on Saturday July 29 which is set to disrupt thousands of Northern customers.
RMT members will bring all but a handful of Northern services across the North of England to a halt.
Due to the impact strikes have on fleet displacement, early morning services on Sunday (30 July) are also expected to be disrupted.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here