Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash is delighted with the news that the Government has decided not to ratify proposals to close railway ticket offices, including the one at Long Eaton Station.
During the summer, train companies, such as East Midlands Railway (EMR), consulted on reforming railway ticket offices.
Ms Throup, a frequent rail user, formally wrote to the Managing Director of East Midlands Railway (EMR) regarding her concerns about the detrimental impact that modernisation could have at Long Eaton Station. During this period Maggie also visited Long Eaton Station and met with EMR executives to outline her concerns in greater detail.
After reviewing the consultation responses as well actively engaging with accessibility and passenger groups, it became evident that the ticket office proposals did not meet high passenger standards set by the Government. Consequently, the Government has communicated to the rail industry that ticket office reform should not proceed.
The borough MP said: “As a frequent rail user, I fully appreciate and share many of the concerns that have been expressed by Erewash residents about the proposed closure of railway ticket offices, including the one at Long Eaton Railway Station operated by EMR. That is why at the time, I wrote to and met with EMR executives to outline my concerns in greater detail.
“I am therefore delighted that the Government has listened to my and rail users’ concerns meaning railway ticket offices across the country will remain open.
“As a result, stations such as Long Eaton will continue to have friendly staff on site who will be able to offer passengers the support they need, such as with ticketing, information and safety of access assistance.
“Thank you to every Erewash resident who participated in this consultation, your voice was certainly heard. I know the team at Long Eaton Station will be thrilled with this news.”
It is expected that Train Operating Companies will now withdraw their proposals meaning that ticket offices across the country, including at Long Eaton Railway Station, will remain open.