TICKET OFFICE OPENING HOURS

That this House notes proposals by the Southeastern rail franchise to reduce ticket office opening times at dozens of their stations; believes that such a move will lead to a lower level of service to the travelling public, act as a disincentive for the public to make use of the network, threaten revenue protection and potentially make stations an unsafe environment for rail users; further believes that automatic ticket machines are an inadequate substitute for well trained railway staff; is therefore opposed to any loss in jobs which could result from the proposals; and calls on the Southeastern franchise to withdraw its plans.