Hertfordshire County Council warning to Govia on new ticketing arrangements

Hertfordshire County Council has responded to Govia Thameslink Railways’ plans to change ticketing services for passengers.

The train operator is currently consulting on changes to ticket offices at eleven stations, including Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Potters Bar.

These changes would mean the introduction of train station ‘hosts’ who will help passengers by selling tickets, helping passengers buy tickets by machine and ensuring that the machines are working.

The hosts would be available for longer periods than the current ticket office opening hours.

Some ticket offices will be closed completely or will only operate in the morning peak times.

Derrick Ashley, cabinet member for transport, said “I welcome these moves in principle if it means that passengers are offered more assistance in buying their ticket and the full range of tickets and advice is improved.

“If these plans become reality, I will be watching closely to see that the operating hours are not scaled back over time.

“I also urge GTR Govia to ensure that the closed booking offices are retained in case they are needed again in the future.

“Once the consultation period is over and the initial responses have been considered we would ask Govia not to make any changes until the full implications for each station are understood by all parties.

“We shall also be keeping an eye on the ongoing train driver shortage issue to ensure GTR Govia are working hard to resolve the current, inadequate situation.

“Thousands of people use Thameslink and Great Northern every day and they deserve a service that they can rely on.”