London TravelWatch has written to the Government objecting to London Midlands’ proposals to change ticket office hours at its stations.
The independent watchdog for transport users in an around London said:
“We received a number of responses from passengers concerned about these changes. We were concerned particularly about proposals at Apsley station.
“There are more than 12 transactions in a hour at times proposed for closure, which is the level the previous and current Government set as a minimum for allowing booking office closures and there is significant development in the immediate vicinity which will doubtless increase usage of the station.
“Many passengers told us of their concern, particularly at Apsley but also at Berkhamsted, that current advertised opening hours were not adhered to, therefore making the sales figures a probable underestimate.
“We were also very worried about the proposal that 29 additional ticket machines would NOT accept cash – only cards. Not only would this put passengers on a lower income at a distinct disadvantage, as well as younger passengers without access to a debit or credit card.
“We also believe that it would be unreasonable to expect passengers to be liable to a Penalty Fare if they had cash but no card: it denies passengers a legitimate means of paying for their travel. We could not accept a situation where card-only ticket machines are available.
“We have, therefore, formally objected to the proposals.”
