JOBS could be lost as three ticket offices at train stations in Thurrock could close.
A report by Sir Roy McNulty for the Department For Transport recommends replacing ticket offices at East Tilbury, Chafford Hundred and Ockendon, with unmanned machines.
Union bosses at the Transport Salaried Staffs Association said the “hit list” could mean the loss of several jobs at smaller stations.
Union leader Gerry Doherty told a reporter that: “Not only are unmanned stations less secure, tickets bought from machines are usually more expensive.”
That would make great sense that would, the three stations are probably the worst known for fare dodgers getting on and off the trains, great move C2C
Chafford Hundred is always busy. It’s the Lakeside station for goodness sake. What could be done is cut down on the staff a bit. Whenever I use it, there are always 6 or 7 station staff about who help people in trouble with the ticket barriers, etc, plus cleaners, and that’s a good thing, but they could probably manage with less. And there are usually several ticket inspectors there trying to stop what Lambo mentions. All a bit over the top perhaps, and they could manage with less, but keep the ticket office open.
Once, I tried to use the ticket machine at Grays when the office was closed. The machine had been vandalized and it was impossible to read the plastic screen to select your options. I also have added problem of not seeing too well, needing reading and distance glasses, so that makes it much more difficult. Two delightful young girls came along, and although on first glance they were a bit scary, they came to my rescue and sorted it all out for me.
That’s when I started using Chafford Hundred instead. There the ticket office is always open, and it is a much friendlier place.
Does a machine cope with people who want, for example, a Travelcard but supported by a Senior Citizen’s Rail Card. Normally you show your Rail Card at the ticket office, so how does that work with a machine?