Train companies are planning to close hundreds of ticket offices at stations across England over the next three years - but Merseyrail is not part of the plans.
The controversial proposals from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) will see staff at stations around the country moved out of ticket offices and onto station concourses to sell tickets, offer travel advice and assist with accessibility. Some kiosks would remain at larger stations.
The RDG says there has been a 'collapse' in the numbers of people using ticket offices and said the railway needs to evolve along with its customers.
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But rail unions have strongly opposed the plans and warned of further strikes, suggesting the proposals would see thousands of jobs lost and disabled and vulnerable customers badly impacted.
Labour have also raised concerns about the plans. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: "Despite the concerns of vulnerable passengers, Conservative ministers are ducking and diving from scrutiny.
"They refuse to say how many stations have alternatives to ticket offices, what the impact will be on jobs, or how it will hit vulnerable rail users. The Conservatives should come clean, and give passengers the answers they deserve.
"Railroading this decision in just three weeks, without proper consideration for staff and vulnerable passengers, only risks exacerbating the managed decline of the rail network."
However, while many stations and rail operators around the country will be affected by these proposals if they come to fruition, Merseyrail will not be.
Merseyrail is a devolved rail operator and is not part of the current consultation. Responsibility for the region's rail operator lies with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and not with national bodies.
The ECHO understands there are no current plans to close ticket offices on the Merseyrail network.
Merseyrail is pushing ahead with plans to introduce smart ticketing on its network. Last month the ECHO reported that tap and go ticketing technology, where people can use contactless bank cards to pay for tickets could start to be rolled out as early as March 2024.
While Merseyrail stations are as yet unaffected, the city line that includes a number of stations within the region is likely to be impacted by ticket office closures.
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