COUNCIL throws its weight behind calls to not close train ticket offices, calling it a “hard hit” for many.

Plans have been announced for a mass closure of railway station ticket offices in England, a decision that is being driven by the government's pressure on the rail industry to save money.

The proposals by Rail Delivery Group (RDG), aimed at modernising customer service, would see nearly all ticket offices shut down, with only the busiest stations maintaining their facilities.

The decision to close ticket offices has been met with protests across the country as people have expressed their concerns, fearing job losses and potential difficulties for vulnerable passengers.

Bracknell residents have also shared concerns about how disabled, elderly and vulnerable people will manage without face-to-face support, calling the decision “dreadful”.

Executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing at Wokingham Council, David Hare, agrees.

He said: “The closing of the ticket offices is a hard hit for those without computers, for older people and for people with disabilities who will be excluded from the positive use of trains without support or help. 

“These people are the ones, especially, who need public transport to travel, the removal of the ticket offices will be a very hard negative, when this ability to travel is a real opening for these people who are often restricted in their opportunities.”

The decision to close train ticket offices comes after RDG claim only 12% of tickets were sold from the offices last year.

Five Labour metro mayors are preparing to take legal action in a bid to stop the “rushed” planned mass closure of railway station ticket offices.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is one of those involved, declared “we will fight this all the way” as he launched a bid to prevent the action.

General secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, Mick Lynch, said the union is campaigning to save ticket offices.

He said: “Our union and the travelling public do not want a de-humanised railway that will be a rife with crime and anti-social behaviour, inaccessible to the most vulnerable.”