Greg was pleased with the announcement that train operating companies should withdraw their proposals to close ticket offices.

In July train operating companies across the UK announced plans to run a ticket office closure consultation which would see ticket offices closed in all stations across the UK.

Greg strongly opposed the closure of ticket offices for a variety of reasons including the wellbeing of vulnerable and elderly residents and how the closures would limit access to staff. He regularly met personally with the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Rail Minister to emphasise the detrimental impact these closures would have on many residents across his constituency.

Greg’s original response to the consultation can be seen here.

Speaking on the  decision Greg said:

“I am delighted by this decision – which is the right one for passengers. I met personally with both the Secretary of State for Transport and the Rail Minister to make clear my view that the train operating companies should not be allowed to close ticket offices in Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms and Paddock Wood. These ticket offices are important for people who have more complex journeys to discuss with an experienced member of staff and for those who may struggle to buy tickets online or with ticket vending machines.

“There are now further steps that I want Southeastern to take including bringing in Pay As You Go to our local stations so that – like in London – you can tap in and out with a credit or debit card without needing to buy a ticket”