THE closure of West Drayton station’s ticket office would be dangerous for commuters, MP John McDonnell fears.
The Department for Transport has published a paper entitled Reforming our Railways: Putting the Customer First, which identifies where efficiency savings of up to £3.5billion can be made.
These were first outlined in the government-commissioned Rail Value-for-Money study, written by Sir Roy McNulty and published last May.
Among the recommendations was the closure of ticket offices at the quietest – category E stations – and the installation of ticket machines, as well as the development of ‘smart ticketing’ and online sales systems.
The paper also outlines a widespread programme of refranchising rail services, including the Great Western Main Line which serves Hayes and Harlington and West Drayton stations.
A consultation on the decentralisation of the service is currently under way.
Mr McDonnell has spoken of his fears ahead of the imminent arrival of the new Crossrail line
at both stations.
“The closure of the ticket office and the cutting back of station staff isn’t just an inconvenience. It is a threat to passenger safety at these increasingly busy local stations,” he said.
“I am really worried that these unnecessary cuts are putting passengers at risk purely to boost the profits of the railway company.”
l Do you think West Drayton station needs a ticket office? Email jack.griffith@trinitymirror.com. Crossrail a big factor in High Point Village flats sell fast – see page 9.
