Almost every train station ticket office in England is expected to shut within three years, it has been claimed.
New Government plans, expected to be unveiled tomorrow, will reportedly see the advancement of plans by Rail Delivery Group to axe up to 1,000 offices.
It is feared the move will likely prompt more industrial action, increase crime rates and make travelling difficult for the vulnerable and elderly.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper is reportedly primed to sign off the final plans, though, as a consultation on the closures are expected to be announced tomorrow.
If the plans get the green light, Brits will have to use train operators' apps or websites to buy tickets, use the self-service machines at stations or "tap in" with contactless or Oyster cards
Critics say the new plans will make life hard for those without new technology, or those who are largely computer illiterate .
Ticket office sales have fallen from 85 per cent in 1995, when the rules on selling tickets were last reviewed, to 12 per cent on average today, rail officials stressed.
Ministers say they want to get ticket office staff onto concourses.
The Association of British Commuters claimed Mr Harper had "pressed go" on the closure plans - and that ministers "want ticket offices closed by Christmas".
"We need to have a realistic conversation about ticket offices, especially those that are simply not used," Conservative Greg Smith MP, chair of the Transport Committee, told The Sun.
"When unions are unleashing maximum disruption, having this debate on ticket offices now is putting a rocket under union anger and will only bring more disruption for travellers."
Last month, it was reported rail operators were believed to be drawing up plans to potentially close most ticket offices in England.
And Transport Salaried Staffs Association's interim general secretary Peter Pendle said today: "We are clear the government will face strong opposition from this union on the totally unnecessary mass closure of ticket offices.
"Ministers will soon realise that the public have no desire to see their rail network diminished in this way.
"The inescapable fact is booking office staff are vital because they give passengers advice and assistance on ticket information, station security and can assist those with disabilities, limited mobility or young children.
"If it's the case that Ministers want to begin the implementation of closures by the end of the year then they are cooking up a cold Christmas for our members and millions of rail users who will not forgive them for their short-sighted plans.
"We urge people to take part in the forthcoming consultation in unprecedented numbers so that these daft proposals can be halted without delay, and that we retain a safe and fully accessible railway."
Speaking last week when reports first emerged of ticket office closures, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The train operating companies and the government must understand that we will vigorously oppose any moves to close ticket offices.
"We will not meekly sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be sacrificed or see disabled and vulnerable passengers left unable to use the railways as a result.
"RMT will bring into effect the full industrial force of the union to stop any plans to close ticket offices, including on our upcoming strike days of July 20, 22 and 29 in the national rail dispute."
Mirror has contacted Rail Delivery Group independently.
It did tell Mail Online today: "The industry has always been open and honest about the need for the railway to evolve with its customers so it can better meet their needs, and secure a thriving long-term future for an economically vital service.
"For over a year it has been negotiating a package with the RMT on those reforms, which include moving staff from ticket offices to concourses where, with extra training, they will be better able to help more customers, not just with buying tickets, but also offering travel advice and helping those with accessibility needs."
