Plans to scrap Dorset train ticket office closures met with delight

After the government urged train services to withdraw their proposals to close ticket offices in the UK, stations at Dorchester South and Weymouth are set to remain open.

The U-turn has come as good news for passengers who use the ticket offices which would have been replaced by staff members assisting passengers with ticket machines on the platforms.

READ: Plans to close railway station ticket offices hit the buffers

Dave Johnston of Weymouth, who regularly uses trains in this area, said: “I am absolutely delighted they have done it at last - it’s really good news.

“They have seen common sense finally, there must be smiles all round in Dorchester and Weymouth.”

Ticket office staff would have been offered ‘multi-skilled roles’ under proposals from South Western Railway, but Mr Johnston did not think this would have worked.

He added: “I don’t know what they (staff) would do on the platforms – and they would be expected to be there until midnight.”

READ: Upset at Dorchester and Weymouth train ticket office closure

The news has also been welcomed by Dorchester Mayor, Cllr Alistair Chisholm, who believes that the stations and their ticket offices are an important part of the town.

He said: "It is good they have abandoned this crazy scheme.

“It is supposed to be a service industry and people are what make that.

"The station and service would not have been the same, so I am pleased it’s been reversed and pleased we will have staff in our ticket offices.

"Trains are becoming more and more important to towns like Dorchester and Weymouth and having people there is part of that.

"It gives people the confidence and reassurance they need, so I’m delighted that common sense has prevailed.

 West Dorset MP Chris Loder had been campaigning for the reversal of the plans as he felt it was unfair on people who required extra assistance at stations.

Mr Loder said: “This is a fantastic result across west Dorset and the wider region and the interests of fairness and inclusion have triumphed.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to push back against these proposals and I will continue to push for greater inclusion for our elderly and disabled rail users.” 

South Western Railway were asked about the U-turn, but said they would not be commenting at this time, and provided a statement released by the Rail deliver Group (RDG), which speaks on behalf of the rail industry.

RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr, said: “Train companies committed to a genuine consultation, and worked closely with passenger bodies to build and improve on the original plans.

"We thank everybody who participated and for helping to make our proposals better and welcome the recognition by Transport Focus that the principle of moving staff to where they can better help passengers, is the right one.

“We listened, and we pledged that the vast majority of cases, stations with staff today would continue to be staffed tomorrow and with similar operating hours.

Having pledged to keep staffing to similar levels and upgrade ticket machines in a gradual transition, the RDG felt that  they were adapting in the right way for the modern era at a time when ticket office are being used less and less.

Mrs Starr, added: “While these plans won’t now be taken forward, we will continue to look at other ways to improve passenger experience while delivering value for the taxpayer. Our priority remains to secure a vibrant long-term future for the industry and all those who work in it.”