Theresa Villiers called for reassurances from train operator Govia Thameslink about the impact on local passengers reports David Floyd

The entrance New Barnet with a card reader situated on the left and a ticket machine on the right — New Barnet Station

A local MP has welcomed train operators’ decision to extend their consultation on the closure of ticket offices at railway stations across England.

The Rail Delivery Group’s consultation on the plans to close hundreds of ticket offices – including six in Barnet – had been due to end but it has now been extended to September 1st.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers, a former rail minister, welcomed the extensions and called on Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which provides Great Northern services to New Barnet, Oakleigh Park and New Southgate to provide reassurances to passengers.

She said: “Passengers have strong views on ticket offices. In my response to the consultation, I called for more engagement with the public, rail workers and disabled groups. I therefore welcome the extension of the consultation to September.”

“The way people buy tickets has altered significantly in recent years. But even taking on board these changes, there will always be people who need someone to assist them with buying tickets. I have a series of important concerns that GTR must address before they can justify changes to ticket office availability.”

“They say staff in stations will provide advice on ticket-buying, but they must provide guarantees that these staffed hours will continue for the long term, and not be withdrawn. We also need assurances that staff will be properly trained to assist customers with disabilities who need advice on ticket purchase.”

“Ticket machines will have a greater significance if ticket offices close. Whilst Oyster/contactless pay-as-you-go is used for many journeys into London, the stations in my constituency also serve destinations outside of the capital, beyond the Oyster zone. It is vital that my constituents have simple and straight-forward access to tickets to these destinations.”

“That requires easy-to-use reliable ticket machines. GTR must provide commitments on the quality of ticket machines, on the speed with which faults will be remedied, and what happens to passengers who board a train having been unable to buy a ticket because the machine is broken.”

“Until I receive satisfactory reassurances on the above points, I must oppose the plans for ticket office closures set out in this consultation.”

Further information on how the changes will affect Great Northern services is available here.

To have your say on the consultation go to the London TravelWatch website by September 1st.

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