EASTLEIGH MP BACKS COMMONS MOVE ON TICKET OFFICE CLOSURES

11.29.35am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 20th Sep 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has backed a House of Commons motion that calls for an immediate withdrawal of South West Trains' plans to cut ticket office opening hours at 114 stations across the network.

"These cuts cannot be justified when there has been a 27 per cent increase in passengers in the last year. These cuts will mean many more ticket offices will be closed entirely during the weekend when travellers have the time to ask for information about special deals.

"Unmanned stations make staff and passengers feel less secure, and installing more ticket machines is simply no substitute for a friendly voice who can explain all the special deals and discounts" said Mr Huhne.

"The railway is booming, and it makes no sense to cut back the service that is one of the most visible and welcoming to the public" said Mr Huhne.