COUNCILLORS in Kidderminster have criticised plans to close railway station ticket offices as the deadline for public comments looms.

Every ticket office in Worcestershire, except for Worcester Foregate Street, would shut under the new plans revealed by the railway industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). 

West Midlands Railway said ticket offices at those stops would be manned by staff from new “mobile teams” on a “flexible” basis.

West Midlands Railway, which runs trains between the city and Birmingham and towards Malvern and Hereford, said Worcester Foregate Street would become a ‘customer information centre’ which meant staff would be available throughout the week to assist passengers and help buy tickets.

The other county stops on the line, including Bromsgrove, Kidderminster and Droitwich Spa, would all close.

Green Party councillor Vicky Caulfield, who represents Blakebrook and Habberley South on Wyre Forest District Council, said: “I have been contacted by a number of local residents and charities who have grave concerns about the closure of Kidderminster ticket office. 

“Being able to speak to someone is vital for many passengers and plans to close ticketing offices will make travelling by train more difficult for thousands of passengers – especially passengers with disabilities, those with limited mobility and parents travelling with children. This is ableism at its worst. 

“At a time when we should be encouraging more people to use public transport, this decision does not make sense".

Labour’s Liam Caroll, who represents the Offmore and Comberton ward, said: "Everybody should be able to buy train tickets. 

“Closing the ticket office at the train station will create barriers for some individuals, particularly older and disabled people, who may struggle with using ticket machines and don't have smartphones."

Residents who want to comment on the proposed changes to ticket offices at stations can contact Transport Focus, the independent transport user watchdog, by Wednesday, July 26 2023 at TicketOffice.WMT@transportfocus.org.uk. 

They can also write to Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ.