Dear Editor,
We are local groups of blind and partially sighted people, known as Sight Loss Councils, calling for a halt on the proposed mass closures of rail ticket offices which would have a devastating impact on our community.
Read: Rail campaigner says plans to close Bedford Station ticket office will see people lose jobs
Without ticket offices, blind and partially sighted people will have to purchase tickets through online booking or through ticket vending machines at stations. But existing alternatives, such as ticket machines and many online booking apps, are inaccessible to our community.
Ticket office staff are also often our first point of contact at stations. They provide assistance, information, advice and not just tickets. For blind and partially sighted people this support is vital. Roaming staff are not an acceptable alternative – especially if you cannot see them.
There is much more that needs to be done first to increase accessibility. Poor station design, failing audio announcements, outdated wayfinding, inaccessible technology, inconsistent tactile navigation and Victorian platforms, already make navigating rail travel a challenge for blind and partially sighted people.
Ticket office closures will simply add an extra barrier and this must stop now.
Help us challenge these closures now at our website.
Yours sincerely,
Sight Loss Councils
Sight Loss Councils (SLC) operate locally and nationally, they advocate the needs of blind and partially sighted people and influence positive change. Each SLC comprises blind and partially sighted members who meet monthly to discuss accessibility issues and plan projects.
Their priorities include accessible transport and streets so everyone can travel independently and safely. They also work to increase the accessibility of healthcare, shopping, museums and galleries, and sports and leisure facilities, depending on local area need.
