On 31st October 2023 the following announcement (click here for full text) about the plan to close a substantial number of ticket offices was made by Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group.

“Train companies committed to a genuine consultation, and worked closely with passenger bodies to build and improve on the original plans".

"We listened, and we pledged that the vast majority of cases, stations with staff today would continue to be staffed tomorrow and with similar operating hours."We pledged to upgrade ticket vending machines and that all stations will have a single welcome point, developed in partnership with accessibility groups and passenger bodies [...] While these plans won’t now be taken forward, we will continue to look at other ways to improve passenger experience while delivering value for the taxpayer. Our priority remains to secure a vibrant long-term future for the industry and all those who work in it.”

Transport Focus commented:

"Plans to close rail ticket offices have been withdrawn by train operators following Transport Focus and London TravelWatch objecting to all of the current proposals.

The Secretary of State for Transport announced the outcome of the consultation and that the Government has asked train operators to withdraw their proposals.

Together with London TravelWatch we received 750,000 responses from individuals and organisations to the public consultation. Those responses contained powerful and passionate concerns about the potential changes at stations. Transport Focus would like to thank all those who took the time to take part".

The decision has obviously been reported in a variety of different ways !

The BBC's report was written by Katy Austin & Sam Gruet BBC Report:

Mick Lynch of the RMT reported the decision like this  

Katie Pennick, Campaigns Manager at Transport for All commented: 

Here is the X/Tweet from the Secretary of State, Mark Harper MP

Here is the article by Gwyn Topham in the Guardian