As part of the consultation for station changes, South West Rail are proposing to close all ticket offices at their stations.
Published: Monday, 31st July 2023
South West Rail (SWR) has announced proposed alterations to four stations in the London Borough of Hounslow on the Hounslow Loop, these being at Brentford, Chiswick, Feltham, and Hounslow stations.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “I along with our Council officers have read the proposals and I am concerned that this proposal will disproportionately affect certain individuals in our communities. There are residents for whom in-person support is a necessary part of their journey and which could be the difference between them making a trip or not.
“The Council’s Transport Strategy sets out targets for increasing the use of public transport in the borough. This means ensuring that public transport is fully accessible for everyone so that none of Hounslow’s residents are prevented from making essential journeys. As a borough we have been committed to improving access for all to our rail and underground network supporting the delivery of Step-Free access at Syon Lane Station, Osterley Tube station and currently Isleworth Station, where new lifts are due to open in late 2023.
“I am equally worried about the wider safety and personal security for everyone on the network including vulnerable members of society. Women’s safety is a key issue across the country, which is not helped by these proposals, not only for passengers but for the staff who will be without a base should the ticket offices close.
“I request that SWR must be clear in how they intend to mitigate the impacts of this proposal and the Council therefore objects to the closure of ticket offices unless SWR can provide satisfactory responses to the queries I have raised.
“I look forward to receiving answers to these questions and working with SWR through our joint Community Rail Partnership which advocates for safe and equitable access to the rail network.”
To read the full contents of the Council's letter please visit https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/response-swr-consultation
The consultation is open until 1 September 2023 and can be accessed here https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/ticket-offices-have-your-say/ .
