![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/rail-firms-admit-elderly-and-disabled-at-risk-of-crime-if-ticket-offices-close/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_1SOCIAL-IMAGE-Mirror-exclusive-right-2-1.jpg&description=Documents written by the rail companies themselves lay bare the true impact of the railway ticket office closures on disabled, elderly and vulnerable passengers Train firms have admitted passengers will be put at risk of being swindled by crooks and railway stations made to feel less safe by shutting ticket offices. Damning documents, written by the rail companies themselves, lay bare the true impact of the closures on disabled, elderly and vulnerable passengers. The devastating assessments will intensify fears about the consequences of the Government-backed plan to axe ticket offices at 974 railway stations in England. Rail bosses have admitted it is possible disabled people will be discouraged from travelling by train, older people will be unable to pay with cash at stations and those with hearing loss will find it harder to get support. Each of the rail firms wanting to shut local ticket offices has been required to produce an Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment setting out how older and disabled passengers will be affected. TransPennine Express acknowledged that vulnerable customers currently 'use the Ticket Offices and waiting rooms as a point of safety and refuge' and warned that some may feel "anxious" without them. Setting out other negative consequences of the closures, the train operator added: 'Disabled customers may potentially be victims of financial extortion if they need to give their bank card to others to assist them with purchasing tickets. Customers with hearing impairments may find it difficult to obtain information if staffing hours are reduced, particularly if they rely on lip reading. Older people may be socially isolated, and the Ticket Office offers them the opportunity to have a conversation with other members of their community.' East Midlands Railway admitted the potential negative impacts include 'an increased risk of anti-social behaviour' when stations are not staffed. 'Vulnerable customers can use the Ticket Offices and waiting r){kind=link}
Documents written by the rail companies themselves lay bare the true impact of the railway ticket office closures on disabled, elderly and vulnerable passengers
Train firms have admitted passengers will be put at risk of being swindled by crooks and railway stations made to feel less safe by shutting ticket offices.
Damning documents, written by the rail companies themselves, lay bare the true impact of the closures on disabled, elderly and vulnerable passengers. The devastating assessments will intensify fears about the consequences of the Government-backed plan to axe ticket offices at 974 railway stations in England.
Rail bosses have admitted it is possible disabled people will be discouraged from travelling by train, older people will be unable to pay with cash at stations and those with hearing loss will find it harder to get support. Each of the rail firms wanting to shut local ticket offices has been required to produce an Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment setting out how older and disabled passengers will be affected.
TransPennine Express acknowledged that vulnerable customers currently “use the Ticket Offices and waiting rooms as a point of safety and refuge” and warned that some may feel “anxious” without them.