SENRUG, the group that campaigns for better rail transport in South East Northumberland, today welcomed the announcement from Northern Rail that the Ticket Office at Morpeth Station will be open during the afternoon, for a trial period of 6 weeks.
SENRUG Chairman Dennis Fancett said: “We have long urged Northern Rail to extend the Ticket Office Opening Hours at Morpeth. The Ticket Office is also the waiting room and gives access to the toilets, so when it is locked shut, there is the loss of these facilities too”.
“The ticket office being open means that people will be able to buy tickets either for their immediate journey, or book advance purchase tickets. Any UK rail ticket can be purchased, not just those journeys that start at Morpeth. We have always found the staff very helpful, and able to guide passengers through the range of cheaper restricted tickets, or more flexible fares” he continued.
SENRUG hope that sufficient extra people will use to buy their rail tickets from the station during the trial period for Northern Rail to find the trial successful and make the move permanent. “We know this was trialled 3 years ago and was a success back then” said Dennis. For some reason action was not taken immediately and now of course the economic situation has changed, so we appreciate that Northern Rail need to conduct the trial again.”
However, passengers should note that if the Ticket Office is open, they are required to purchase a ticket before they board the train. “We are concerned people may have got used to just turning up for the afternoon trains without leaving themselves time to buy a ticket” Dennis said. “Ideally, there would have been more advance notification about this trial, but we are nevertheless grateful for what we have got”.
SENRUG are also campaigning for level access to Morpeth’s northbound platform (which has now been given Department For Transport funding) and a proper Customer Information System at the station. They are delighted to note the inside of the Ticket Office has just been decorated, and that attractive murals painted by children at King Edward VI High School have recently appeared on the platforms. The group also campaigns for better train services in addition to enhanced station facilities, and is keen to attract new members from those who support its campaigns. More details at www.senrug.co.uk.
