Withdrawal of Advance Purchase on Departure tickets from Northern Trains ticket offices

That this House notes with concern that Northern Trains has recently withdrawn Advance Purchase on Departure rail fares from sale at its ticket offices; understands that advanced purchase tickets are designed to offer best value fares to passengers; therefore believes that the withdrawal of Advance Purchase on Departure fares may mean that passengers are not able to access the best value fare for their journey; further understands that this franchise is controlled by the Department for Transport via the Operator of Last Resort; is concerned about reports from Government and Train Operating Companies that they wish to close the majority of ticket offices across the rail network; understands that Advance Purchase on Departure fares will remain available online and at Ticket Vending Machines; is therefore concerned that the withdrawal of certain fares from ticket offices is aimed at pushing passengers away from ticket offices; believes that this policy disadvantages people who cannot use online ticketing or Ticket Vending Machines, and that disabled and elderly passengers could be disproportionately affected; further believes that the full range of fares should be available to passengers at Northern ticket offices; and calls on the Government to ensure that Advance Purchase on Departure fares are reinstated at Northern ticket offices as a matter of urgency.