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This from Maggie and Peter Gruner, Linda and Paul Martin, and Brenda and Phil Michell, Barfield, Ryde. Ed
Closure of rail ticket offices including the excellent new one at Ryde Esplanade would discriminate against sections of the travelling public and restrict freedom of choice for all rail customers.
Many passengers are unable to book online. People without computers or smartphones would immediately be at a disadvantage, deterred or even prevented from travelling by train.
Ticket machines are no substitute
All customers would be at a loss without the advice available from ticket office staff. People of all ages, including foreign tourists, need information about the best rail route to take, where to change trains, potential delays, best prices – given clearly by someone who can answer their questions. Ticket machines are no substitute, and full transition to digital ticketing would be a disaster.
Those elderly people who are unfamiliar with technology, and individuals who are visually impaired or otherwise disabled, would be particularly hard hit by ticket office closures.
Duty to provide proper service to all customers
Rail companies including South Western Railway have a duty to provide a proper service to all their customers.
Rail bosses and shareholders may regard the words ‘duty’ and ‘service’ as outmoded, but they should not be allowed to turn their backs on these essential principles.
