As you may be aware, Transport Focus and London Travel Watch have been running a consultation on proposed ticket office closures by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) at all stations in Croydon.
As a Purley & Woodcote councillor with two train stations in my ward (Purley and Reedham), I have raised my concerns about the negative impacts these changes may have on local residents.
I am particularly flabbergasted that East Croydon is also affected - being the busiest station in the Borough that indeed many of my residents use in transit or to start longer journeys.
Purley Station is one of the busiest stations in the Borough because of its good links into Central Croydon, London, Gatwick Airport and the South East. It is used by a wide range of people, including the elderly, vulnerable and disabled, who still depend on these important facilities.
Whilst I recognise that most customers do not purchase their tickets from the ticket offices, I am concerned that the proposals are 'too hard and too fast' and that they do not fully address accessibility. There are many in society who are less digitally comfortable and have disabilities/other challenges such as neurodivergence. For these individuals, the ticket booths are a lifeline.
A very interesting point was made to me about the sophistication of the ticket machines as things stand. For example, the machine vending works on the basis that you are starting from a station. It does not resolve the 'zone 6' problem, for those with freedom passes and other London travel benefits who will need to pay to go beyond zone 6. This would need to be fully addressed.
The current proposals as things stand are not appropriate at present and I call on GTR to reconsider its position.
The consultation ends tomorrow so if you haven't already do email [email protected] to share your view.
Cllr Samir Dwesar
