Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood has called on the Welsh Government to safeguard the future of railway ticket offices following recommendations that could see several of them close in South Wales.
The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) has warned if Transport Secretary Philip Hammond decides to implement the McNulty report’s recommendations, 21 ‘category E’ stations could close across Wales. These include Aberdare, Cathays, Llandaf, Trefforest, Bargoed Merthyr and Ystrad Mynach.
Ms Wood, who represents the South Wales Central region in the Assembly, said:
“It could well be a false economy to close the smaller ticket offices on the rail network as it could cause problems further down the rail line for the larger stations.
“Customers will lose the ability to seek advice and perhaps even to pay by card if the ticket machines do not accept cash like the ones proposed by London Midland. Furthermore, tickets bought from machines tend to be more expensive.
“This is something that will adversely affect elderly passengers in particular.”
Ms Wood added:
“Public transport should be made more attractive and not be a hassle. This news comes after were told last month that fares will rise by 25% over the next three years.
“In Wales, the decision to close these ticket offices will fall to the Welsh Government and I hope the needs of passengers and rail workers will be considered fully.”
