Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2023 to Question 191337 on Railways: Tickets, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of ticket office closures on passenger (a) experience and (b) ability to travel.

When proposing major changes to ticket office opening hours, including closures, operators are required to take into account the adequacy of the proposed alternatives in relation to the needs of all passengers; and to include this in the notice of the proposal sent to other operators and passenger groups. We would also expect operators to consider all equality related needs and make this clear in their consultation.

No currently staffed station will be unstaffed as a result of industry changes, and train operators will ensure staff are well located to meet passenger needs in future. This will include assisting those who need additional support and cannot or do not want to use digital tickets.