Manchester RMT branch protest against ‘discriminatory’ plans to close train station ticket offices

The Manchester South branch of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have ‘mobilised’ in response to government plans to close around 1,000 ticket offices. The plans were confirmed by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) yesterday. 

The changes to the way stations operate will see ticket office staff transitioning to multi-skilled ‘customer help’ roles according to the RDG. The group also said that the decision to close ticket offices is due to the changing way people buy train tickets.

According to the RDG, 82% of train tickets were sold at ticket offices in the mid 1990s. The average today is just 12% which is a reported downward trend which accelerated during the pandemic.

A three week passenger consultation has been launched by train companies. The consultation could see the closure of a number of ticket offices across the network as staff move out from behind the glass.

Following the news of the potential closures, members of the Manchester South branch of the RMT took to Manchester Victoria to make their feelings heard. The branch has also given a statement to ManchesterWorld.  

A spokesperson for the Manchester South branch of the RMT said: “Our members across both Manchester branches have immediately mobilised in the campaign to save our ticket offices. These plans will do nothing to improve customer service, or staff visibility, they are discriminatory and will massively impact disabled and elderly rail users in their right to 'turn up and go' travel.”

Jacqueline Starr, Rail Delivery Group chief executive, said: “The ways our customers buy tickets has changed and it’s time for the railway to change with them. With just 12% of tickets being sold from ticket offices last year, and 99% of those transactions being available on TVMs or online, our proposals would mean more staff on hand on to give face to face help with a much wider range of support, from journey planning, to finding the right ticket and helping those with accessibility needs.”