London’s passenger watchdog is asking Tube users to give their views on London Underground’s planned ticket office closures.
Plans to axe the ticket offices were confirmed last year by Mayor Boris Johnson and Tube boss Mike Brown.
Unions say the closures and associated job losses will mean older and disabled passengers may not get the help they need, claims denied by LU.
Mr Johnson, who in 2008 opposed the closure of 40 ticket offices by his predecessor, insists the closures are necessary to reflect the ongoing move away from paper tickets to Oyster and contactless fares.
London TravelWatch decided to hold the six-week online consultation after Tube bosses and the Mayor ruled out holding their own consultation.
The organisation, which is funded by the London Assembly, wants to find out passengers’ views on the proposed changes, how they use ticket offices and any difficulties they foresee.
Chief Executive, Janet Cooke, commented: ‘London Underground are proposing a wide range of changes to how stations are run and we want to ensure that the changes to the way people buy tickets take account of what passengers need when using the stations.
“I encourage passengers to take part in our consultation by visiting our website: londontravelwatch.org.uk.”
TravelWatch say responses will help shape any recommendations it makes to London Underground about measures needed to ensure passengers’ needs are served at all stations.
The watchdog’s consultation has been welcomed by London Assembly members.
Caroline Pidgeon, Chair of the Assembly Transport Committee, said: “The Transport Committee raised the lack of any formal passenger consultation in March this year, so we are extremely happy that London TravelWatch is undertaking this survey.
“Ensuring that tube users are consulted about the changes TfL are proposing is only fair.
“If London Underground is to be “Fit for the Future” it needs to continue to serve the growing needs of our population, whilst maintaining and improving customer satisfaction. We await the results with great interest.”
