Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has slammed South Western Railway for its proposals to reduce staff at Dorchester South station. Under the train company’s proposals, the opening hours for Dorchester South’s ticket office will be halved. Mr Loder said:
“South Western Railway (SWR) have had to propose to government how it wishes to reform station operations in light of the news that just 12% of train tickets are sold at station ticket offices. In principle, I agree that staff at stations should not be stuck behind a ticket office window when no one is wanting to buy a ticket, but this should not be used as an excuse to reduce the staffing hours at train stations.”
“I no longer think that SWR is a reputable operator with any concern for rural Dorset. Among other concerns, the train company leave disabled passengers stranded and, despite a quick fix being available, they will not change the planned platform of trains at Dorchester South so disabled and elderly people can more easily board the train”.
“And with such a problem with access for elderly and disabled people in Dorchester, SWR are instead wanting to slash staffing hours by almost half at the county town’s station! This is the sort of morally bankrupt company business that this railway company has become.”
Mr Loder added: “If you feel as strongly about this as I do, you can sign my petition: www.chrisloder.co.uk/ticketoffices and; email or write to Transport Focus, the passenger watchdog who is running this consultation: ticketoffice.swr@transportfocus.org.uk"
