Transport Focus, the independent watchdog, has announced that the consultation into ticket office closures has been extended.

The Watchdog says that it has received more than 170,000 comments, which is being logged and reviewed.

The new end date for the consultation is the 1st September 2023.

At the end of the consultation period, Transport Focus and London TravelWatch will have 35 days to discuss the proposals and whether an objection to the proposals needs to be made.

The operator then needs to decide whether to proceed or not despite the objection – if they do, the matter will be referred to the Secretary of State for Transport.

To take part in the consultation visit: transportfocus.org.uk/ticketoffices

Commenting on train company announcements to extend the ticket office consultation period, Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus:

“Transport Focus and London TravelWatch have received more than 170,000 comments already. This feedback is currently being logged and reviewed alongside individual train operator proposals.

“It is important that a diverse range of views from all parts of the community are heard in this consultation. New comments received will be read, considered and used in discussions with train companies in the coming weeks.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Campaigning by our members on stations across the country alongside tenacious disabled peoples groups and passenger bodies has forced rail bosses and ministers to admit the original consultation was not fit for purpose and must be extended.

“Although our pressure has forced their hand, it is still a deeply flawed and a wholly inadequate consultation process which we are considering challenging legally in the courts.

“Our campaign to save ticket offices, protect our members jobs and look out for the best interests of all rail passengers will only intensify in the coming weeks.

“20,000 rail workers will walk out on 29 July in pursuit of a negotiated settlement on job security pay, conditions and saving ticket offices.”