The Petition of users of Bradford-on-Avon station,
Declares that the Petitioners regard the Bradford-on-Avon station booking office as an essential service and an essential part of the town, further declares that the Petitioners believe that it is used frequently and in preference to the ticket machine, particularly by older customers, and that it is widely valued for the information provided and for the services of the booking office staff in opening and closing the wonderfully refurbished waiting rooms.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to ensure that the Bradford-on-Avon station booking office remains open.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Duncan Hames, Official Report, 9 November 2011; Vol. 535, c. 409.]
[P000978]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:
The proposal for the removal of ticket offices at Category E stations was the recommendation of an independent study by Sir Roy McNulty on the value for money of the railways.
The aim of the study was to examine the overall cost structure of all elements of the rail sector to identify the options for improving value for money to both passengers and to the taxpayer, while continuing to expand capacity as necessary and drive up passenger satisfaction with the railway.
My Department is currently considering the findings of this independent report but no decisions have yet been made. In deciding which recommendations to accept, we will give careful consideration to the interests of passengers.
First Great Western has said it has no current plans to close any booking offices.