Simon Hughes says - keep ticket offices open

12.00.00am GMT Tue 17th Feb 2009

Simon Hughes MP wrote today to Geoff Hoon MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, to urge the government to reject First Capital Connect's proposals to reduce opening hours at 26 London ticket offices.

On Tuesday 10th February, London TravelWatch, the official watchdog organisation representing the interests of transport users in London, formally set out it's objections to First Capital Connect's proposals . London TravelWatch received hundreds of representations from passengers across London which unanimously objected to the closure of the ticket office at their local station.

Simon wrote to London TravelWatch to voice his objections to the proposals which would see 47 stations, 26 in London, significantly reduce their opening hours. Simon has also written to Elaine Holt, the Managing Director of FCC, to express his concerns that reduced ticket office opening hours could see passenger safety jeopardized at train stations.

London TravelWatch's objections were in line with Simon's concerns that ticket offices are about much more than just selling tickets. They provide important information and add a sense of security at stations. Many passengers have identified a staff presence at stations as a key to their safety as well as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour in and around the station environment.

The government will now decide whether to allow FCC's proposals to go ahead.

Commenting, the MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey said:

"I am extremely concerned to hear of the proposed closure of Elephant and Castle ticket office on weekends. This will undoubtedly put at risk the safety of passengers. I have received various concerns from constituents who have said that they would feel unsafe at the station without staff around. In addition, the ticket office closure will result in fewer passengers buying the best ticket. First Capital Connect should not make these cuts."

"If First Capital Connect's proposals are accepted by the government, passengers will receive a drastically lower level of service. There is no case for replacing staff with ticket machines, increasing fares and cutting services at the same time. After the passenger victory last year when the government rejected South West Trains's plans to reduce ticket office hours at its stations following wide public condemnation, it is refreshing to see positive action achieving results. I hope we will see the same outcome and keep Elephant and Castle ticket office open at weekends so passengers receive the level of service they deserve."