Update: Station booking office saved
Tuesday, 31 October 2023
The Government has backtracked on its decision to close ticket offices. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said today that the government had asked train operators to withdraw their proposals.
Save our stations!
Thursday, 6 July 2023
Calderdale Labour councillors have slammed new proposals to close ticket offices at stations serving the Calder Valley line, calling for members of the public to join them in campaigning against the cuts.
Cllr Scott Patient speaking to local residents about the proposed ticket
office closures at Hebden Bridge train station today
Operator Northern runs ticket offices at train stations in Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, all of which are now at risk of permanent closure under plans published yesterday for public consultation by industry body the Rail Delivery Group.
Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Transport Councillor Scott Patient (Luddendenfoot) said, "There is no case whatsoever for closing ticket offices. Local staff are knowledgeable, experienced, and always glad to help. Why wouldn't we keep their service and save their jobs? Not all rail users can buy tickets online, many including elderly and vulnerable people rely on ticket offices. We cannot allow anyone to be excluded from using public transport as a result of this Government's thoughtless cost-cutting agenda. An attack on accessible travel is an attack on an inclusive society."
He continued, "We ask all Calderdale residents to join with us and call on the Government to stop these harmful cuts. Please fill in the consultation and contact your local MP asking them to raise this with Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport."
Members of the public can object by filling in the consultation by independent watchdog Transport Focus. It runs until Wednesday 26th July.
Halifax residents can contact Holly Lynch MP (Lab) via by email and Upper Calder Valley residents can contact Craig Whittaker MP (Con) via by email.
See also:
HebWeb Forum discussion: Ticket office closure proposal