Changes to Great Western Railway ticket offices and stations

That this House is alarmed that First Group rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has proposed a number of changes to its stations and ticket offices which include reducing ticket office windows and opening hours; is shocked that it should propose these changes despite the unprecedented and overwhelming public opposition to plans in 2023 to close around 1,000 ticket offices, including at GWR, which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and station staff for many rail passengers; recognises that the recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people are able to travel by rail; is concerned that GWR’s proposals will undermine the role of ticket offices, to the detriment of passenger safety, security and accessibility; understands that the RMT union, which represents GWR station staff, is opposed to these proposals and has expressed concerns about a lack of proper negotiation by the company; notes that GWR paid out dividends of £24.3m in 2024; further notes that GWR is operating under a National Rail contract managed and funded by the Government; and calls on the Government to instruct GWR to scrap its proposed changes to ticket offices and stations and commit to retaining all ticket office and station staffing levels, operating hours and window provision.