A major closure of rail ticket offices could be imminent after rail firm bosses have announced plans for a public consultation on the issue over the next three years.

The nationwide move by rail firms, formally announced today (Wednesday, 5 July) has sparked large scale criticism and could lead to further strikes in an already beleaguered industry by rail unions who are opposed to the plans.

Avanti West Coast, which employs staff at Stockport Station, has proposed that all ticket offices at the station will close, with staff being redirected elsewhere, transitioning to 'multi-skilled customer ambassador roles'. 

Avanti argued that this would mean staff "are better placed to help customers buy tickets, provide expert travel advice, information, and assistance for customers". 

The train operating company also maintains: "We will continue to meet all our commitments on providing accessibility for passengers, including passengers with reduced mobility and people requiring in-person assistance."

Avanti have said that staff at Stockport ticket office would be redirected to other areas of the station (Image - Alasdair Perry)

The move to begin a consultation on the future offices has been made by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies, after talks with the RMT union failed to reach an agreement.

The industry body has said only 12% of tickets are currently sold at station kiosks on average, compared with 85% in 1995, with passengers now buying more tickets online or at machines.

It argues that its changes will enable staff to come out from behind the glass of station offices and be free to help more passengers. Few details have been given of how the consultations will take place.

More generally, proposals would mean fifty ticket offices would close across Greater Manchester, whilst over 1,000 would close nationally. 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "Feels like the Government is determined to put the North's railways into not-so-managed decline. We will be fighting this hard."

Meanwhile, an RDG spokesperson said: "The industry has always been open and honest about the need for the railway to evolve with its customers so it can better meet their needs, and secure a thriving long-term future for an economically vital service."

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the UK's largest rail union, the RMT, has previously said his union would not "meekly sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be sacrificed or see disabled and vulnerable passengers left unable to use the railways as a result".

Peter Pendle, interim general secretary of the TSSA rail union, said the government would "soon realise that the public have no desire to see their rail network diminished in this way".

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