Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

Rail representatives from Northern, TfGM and Avanti West Coast have been invited to attend the meeting to support the discussion on this item.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider the motion in relation to the closure of Stockport railway station ticket offices that was put to Full Council on 6 October 2022.

Officer contact: Emily Brough 0161 474 4592 | emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided details of the motion recently considered by Full Council in relation to potential plans to close all railway station ticket offices in England. The council resolved to refer the issue to the Scrutiny Committee to discuss future plans for staffing at local stations with rail representatives.

Rail representatives from Northern, Avanti West Coast (Avanti) and a representative from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The council had written a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Government Railways Minister expressing the council’s opposition to the possible closure of staffed rail ticket offices. The Department for Transport response to the letter was at appendix 1. It was asked whether the statement in relation to no currently staffed station would be unstaffed as a result of any reform, would apply to Stockport’s stations. Assurance was given to members that colleagues would remain front and centre of Avanti’s offer in Stockport. However, roles would evolve owing to the changing landscape post covid-19 pandemic. It was reported that the industry was facing significant financial challenges and that with the market fundamentally changed, changes could go some way to alleviating some of those pressures. Digital ticketing had increased in popularity with only 19% of journey’s on the Northern service purchased via a ticket office, the remainder being purchased digitally via apps, the website or ticket vending machines. It was also noted that only 5% of tickets at Gatley station were purchased via the ticket office.

·         Concerns were raised about residents that may find using digital means of purchasing a ticket difficult, and how the services would support those residents. Members were advised that colleagues would indeed remain on stations to support residents, but may not be present at a ticket office window at all times, as roles evolve.

·         In response to a question as to how staff were feeling about their roles evolving, members noted that there were national discussions ongoing with trade unions about retail modernisation and changing roles.

·         It was questioned whether members of staff would cover a number of stations on their shift, and it was advised that the plans were not fully formed as to what the model would look like. Any potential plans and a model were subject to an ongoing consultation.

·         It was asked whether tickets could be purchased from nearby retail units to increase accessibility of purchasing tickets. Members were reassured that retail or community opportunities to improve the offer and innovate were being looked into.

·         Members expressed thanks on the work being done to improve toilet facilities at stations.

·         Concerns were raised about the ticket machines at Stockport station being out of order on a number of occasions recently and how the service could be improved. An answer would be sought in relation to the out of order machines at Stockport station, and the member responded to in due course. It was agreed that the roll out and interface of machines could be improved.

·         In response to a question regarding improving the underpass at Stockport station, members noted that the council and partners were looking at options for Stockport station. A report would be brought to members in the New Year as to the intention for Stockport station.

RESOLVED – That the rail representatives from Northern, Avanti West Coast and representative from Transport for Greater Manchester be thanked for their attendance.