H1En9K5x
type: Answer
type: WrittenAnswer
answer has question: ZuE94unn
answer has answering person: S2QWjoiz
answer text: Through the industry-led Ticketing and Settlement Agreement (TSA) process when a train operating company proposes to make a change to the opening hours, or closure of a ticket office, they must follow the rules set out in the TSA. The Secretary of State and his Department did not approve any of the respective proposals before the companies commenced consultation. Government has asked train operators to reduce the cost of the industry to the taxpayer given the dire financial situation facing the railways; as well as ensure staff are deployed where they are most needed by passengers. These are industry proposals. This is a real opportunity to update and improve the way train operators deliver for customers. The DfT issued mandates to TOCS on station reform earlier in 2023. We expect train operators to work collaboratively with the passenger bodies in the coming weeks, to listen to the concerns raised and to refine their proposals accordingly. Whilst it is my expectation that no currently staffed station should be unstaffed as a result of industry changes, it is for train operators to decide on their staffing arrangements at each of the stations from which they operate services, so they can best meet the needs of passengers.
answer given date: 2023-09-11+01:00
answer has answering body: XouN12Ow
written answer has answering body: XouN12Ow