CONCERNS have been raised about passenger safety and accessibility following proposals to cut the opening hours of ticket offices at railway stations in the region.

LNER, which runs rail services on the East Coast mainline, wants to reduce the opening hours of its stations in Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and York.

It would see all of the offices opening later and closing earlier.

A coalition of organisations, including the National Pensioners Convention, Disabled People Against Cuts, End Violence Against Women Coalition and rail union RMT have written to raise concerns.

The letter says the proposed cut would worsen passenger safety, security and accessibility and would make it easier for train companies to reduce station staffing.

It adds it would also make it harder for passengers to get the cheapest and most appropriate fares and will be particularly detrimental to older travellers.

The letter, addressed to Transport Focus and London TravelWatch, says: "Staffed ticket offices make the rail network more safe, secure and accessible for passengers. These proposals would see the ticket offices at these major stations open later and close earlier, and in many cases would lead to a significant reduction in opening hours. 

"As you will be aware, passenger research conducted by Transport Focus, published in October 2020 found that ‘staff play a central role in helping passengers feel safe and secure’ and that passengers want to see more rather than less rail staff. Cuts to ticket office hours run counter to this. 

"Ticket offices and travel shops provide a wide range of services and advice in addition to ticket sales. Passengers are absolutely not able to access this level of advice from Ticket Vending Machines. 

"We believe that the proposed cuts would be highly detrimental for rail passengers."

A spokesperson for LNER said the hours were being revised to be efficient and in line with customer demand.

The company's statement added: "The proposed changes include a reduction in hours, as well as opening earlier in other travel centres, to ensure greater alignment with the needs of our customers."

"Customers are able to purchase tickets in a number of ways, including at ticket machines, lner.co.uk, our app and via phone by calling our Customer Contact Centre on 0345 722 5333.”

Changes are also planned at ticket offices in Berwick, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Grantham, London King's Cross, Newark North Gate, Peterborough, Retford and Wakefield Westgate.

The proposed changes

Darlington: 

Monday to Friday - 6am to 7pm (Currently 6am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 6am to 9pm on Friday)

Saturday - 7am to 7pm (Currently 6am to 7.45pm)

Sunday - 8am to 6pm (Currently 8am to 8pm)

Durham:

Monday to Friday - 6am to 6pm (Currently 6am to 7.30pm Monday to Thursday, 6am to 8pm on Friday)

Saturday - 7am to 5pm (Currently 6am to 7pm)

Sunday - 9am to 4pm (Currently 8am to 8pm)

Newcastle: 

Monday to Friday - 6am to 7pm (Currently 5am to 9.20pm)

Saturday and Sunday - 7am to 7pm (Currently 7am to 9.20pm)

York:

Monday to Saturday - 6am to 8pm ( Currently 5.45am to 9.15 pm Monday to Friday, 5.45am to 9pm on Saturday)

Sunday - 8am to 7pm (Currently 7.30am to 9.30pm)