Plans to close hundreds of rail ticket offices in England have been scrapped, it has been announced today.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said the proposals did not meet “the high thresholds” set by the government as he U-turned on earlier plans put forward by train companies in a move to cut costs.
The announcement will be seen as a huge victory for the unions, who campaigned passionately on the issue.
Mr Harper said: “The consultation on ticket offices has now ended, with the Government making clear to the rail industry throughout the process that any resulting proposals must meet a high threshold of serving passengers.
“We have engaged with accessibility groups throughout this process and listened carefully to passengers as well as my colleagues in Parliament.
“The proposals that have resulted from this process do not meet the high thresholds set by ministers, and so the Government has asked train operators to withdraw their proposals.”
