Rail operators are currently in the process of consulting on how tickets are sold at train stations and how these will be staffed.
The proposals form part of plans to modernise the railway and move to alternative, more convenient way of buying tickets. This comes as rail users move away from buying tickets from a kiosk, only 12% of all tickets bought nation-wide last year were bought at ticket kiosks, to smart media - contactless payment, Oyster, Tap2Go, smartcards and e-tickets.
Commenting, Leo Docherty MP said:
"These proposals could see changes implemented by South Western Railway to Farnborough (Main) and Aldershot train station.
"These changes, as currently proposed, should see an improvement in the hours staff are in attendance at Farnborough (Main) and Aldershot stations. Aldershot, for example, will have staffing hours increased to 05:30 to 23:55 Monday to Saturday (currently 06:20 to 21:18), and from 07:00 to 23:00 on Sundays (currently 07:35 to 18:55). Farnborough (Main) as a Category 1 station, would have multiple SWR staff members available to help customers with their journeys.
"Whilst this is welcome, this does not address the concerns that residents have rightly raised with me over the potential loss of being able to buy a ticket from a kiosk, particularly those in more vulnerable groups. I have written to SWR to seek reassurances that residents in these groups will not be disproportionately impacted by the changes to the way in which ticket kiosks operate.
"With Blackwater and Farnborough North being self-service stations operated by GWR, these stations will not be affected by this consultation.
"To improve customer service at smaller stations, rail operators are currently in the process of investing in video-calling capabilities on ticket vending machines, and I have written to GWR to ask for the three local stations on the North Downs line be considered for such an upgrade."
Details on these proposed changes and how to have your say by Wednesday 26 July can be found here:
South Western Railway - Farnborough (Main) and Aldershot train stations: southwesternrailway.com/station-change-proposal
Great Western Railway - Blackwater, Farnborough North, and North Camp train stations: gwr.com/haveyoursay
UPDATE: The Rail Delivery Group has announced (26 July 2023) an extension to the current consultation. The new end date of the consultation will be Friday 1 September 2023.
Pictured, Leo at Farnborough (Main) station