Railway station ticket office to close

Plans have been announced to close nearly every railway station ticket office across England.

Travellers will be forced to use train operators’ ‘phone apps or websites to buy tickets, or to use the self-service machines at stations. The plans were proposed by the Rail Delivery Group, an industry body representing private railway operators.

Macclesfield, Alderley Edge and Cheshire’s busiest station, Crewe, will all lose their ticket offices.

Full list of Cheshire stations to be left without ticket offices: Alderley Edge, Birchwood, Congleton, Crewe, Handforth, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Northwich, Runcorn, Sandbach, Warrington West, Bank Quay, Sandbach, Widnes

Responding to the announcement a spokesperson for Transport for the North said:

“We understand that the way people buy tickets is changing and that there needs to be reform. However, this should be done in a holistic way, considering the needs of all station users and local communities.

“We are concerned that the focus on ticket office staffing in isolation of wider investment (for example pay as you go ticketing) could lead to disadvantaging certain passengers and communities. We will be working with our partners on a robust response to the consultation using local evidence and knowledge.

“Patronage growth on the railways in the North is strong, albeit people are choosing to travel at different times for different purposes. Done correctly, we can ensure that reform supports growth and the needs of all passengers. But it must not be to the disadvantage of any station users, especially in regards to accessibility and safety.”