Anthony Mangnall MP: 'Help me save train ticket offices at Paignton and Totnes'

Our day-to-day habits have changed more in the last three years than over the last decade, in part due to the pandemic but also due to the rapid rise and speed of technology. Moore’s Law suggests that the scale of technology doubles every two years, although even this long-held view might be out of date given the pace at which it is progressing.
While I take a positive view that technology will help us to address many of the challenges that we face as a society, from climate change to clearing the NHS backlog and creating a system that works for future generations, I do believe that it is not the solution for all problems.
In far too many cases we see the argument of 'technology and efficiency' take away some of the much-needed services that operate within our local communities. Take, for instance, the recent decision by rail companies to consult on whether or not to close our train station ticket offices. This consultation, which is being run up and down the whole country, hides behind the argument that ticket machines and websites are so advanced that savings can be made by removing our ticket offices and the personnel who run them.
To make such an argument and force such a change would be a mistake. I know from the number of emails I receive each and every week on this subject that it would be a disaster for those who are less technologically advanced or for those who like to consult on a journey before buying their tickets. For the less abled, being able to talk to a ticket office manager about how they can travel across the country is a necessity.
It is for this reason that I have started a campaign to keep Totnes and Paignton’s train ticket office open, to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation. I understand the costs incurred with having a team at our local station, but should we not be trying to encourage people onto our railways by creating the best and most welcoming system possible? We can do so by making sure our trains our clean, safe and on time as well as by ensuring that the friendly, welcoming faces of those who run the ticket officers are on hand to help residents and visitors with their enquiries.
It should not be much to ask our railway companies to keep these points in mind and to recognise that having good customer service at our local stations is not just preferred but needed. One might go further and consider the social value that these ticket officers play in engaging with those going about their daily routines. It has been readily apparent to me that many people who have felt lonely have been cheered by a familiar face at their local station while on their way to work, or have found comfort in getting to know their local station manager.
So, we must be loud, unified and clear to GWR that we want our ticket offices to remain open. Each and every reader can ensure their voice is heard by going to https://www.gwr.com/HAVEYOURSAY
It is my hope that GWR will listen to the residents of South Devon and that we can all continue to benefit from having such an excellent team working hard to help us get where we need to go.