Lib Dems calls on Rail Bosses to save Ticket Office at new Sunderland station

Liberal Democrats on Sunderland City Council are calling for rail bosses to save the ticket office currently being built at the new Sunderland railway station from closure.

The news that plans to see the mass closure of rail ticket offices across the country, supported by the Conservative Government, has been met with anger and frustration from Liberal Democrat councillors in Sunderland.

Commenting, Lib Dem Deputy Leader on Sunderland Council Councillor Heather Fagan said: 

“A ticket office is currently being built as part of the new Sunderland Station building. It is absolutely absurd that Northern Rail are announcing its closure before it has even opened!

"This closure will lock so many people out of being able to access tickets. Not everyone can use the internet or is able to use self service machines and still rely on a ticket office being open so they can pay their fare or seat passes and season tickets.

"We have seen years of poor service here in Sunderland with under investment and hiking charges. The closure of the ticket office will come as a further blow to those who try to catch the train. 

"Even today there are some tickets which can only be bought from a ticket office and not online, and we don't know what the plans are to rectify this. Rail bosses need to think again about the absurdity of closing a brand new ticket office at Sunderland."