Merton Conservatives oppose the proposals to close ticket offices at South Western Railway and Southern Rail stations in Merton and more widely across the UKs railway network.
Physical ticket offices are vitally important for many sections of the community, especially elderly and disabled passengers, and physical contact with staff members at a ticket office is also vital for vulnerable members of the community if they need assistance.
Cllr Daniel Holden
Merton Conservatives Spokesman for Environment, Civic Pride and Climate
Merton Conservatives oppose the proposals to close ticket offices at South Western Railway and Southern Rail stations in Merton and more widely across the UKs railway network.
Currently in Merton there are physical ticket offices at Wimbledon Station and Raynes Park Station on the South Western Railway network and at Mitcham Eastfields Station and Mitcham Junction Station on Southern Rail.
Physical ticket offices are vitally important for many sections of the community, especially elderly and disabled passengers, and physical contact with staff members at a ticket office is also vital for vulnerable members of the community if they need assistance.
It is often the case that ticket machines are broken or not properly functioning, also stations such as Wimbledon have high levels of tourists and visitors who may struggle with the ticket vending machines. The proposals to close ticket offices at stations in Merton would spread the issues already experienced by residents on unmanned Thames Link Stations across the borough, specifically difficulties working the ticket vending machines and purchasing the correct ticket.
Whilst the proposed change at Wimbledon Station, which would ensure that the station is staffed constantly is to be welcomed, this needs to be in addition to retaining staff members at ticket offices.
