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Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by iso1631 on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @07:14AM (#36679336)
Because ticket offices are a costly relic from the 20th century that simply are not needed, as evidenced by the collapsing usage of them.
Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by rrrhys on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @07:24AM (#36679435)
Company: "Use the app" / cut back front line staff

People: "ugh, I will use the app"

Company: "Look, nobody uses the front line staff"

Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by richbell on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @07:44AM (#36679624)
There's a considerable portion of the population that does not own or feel comfortable using the Internet, and would prefer in-person interactions.
Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by iso1631 on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @10:39AM (#36681632)
And they should thus pay the extra cost for that privilege.

30 years ago Terry Wogan was using his radio 2 breakfast show telling the 40-60 demographic how to send emails and watch his webcam. That demographic are now 70-90. I do sympathise for independent 95 year olds who can't use a ticket machine. I'd rather we spent the money in a far better way -- increasing services for example.

Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by ClumsyPilot on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @08:51AM (#36680259)
Have you ever tried to get off the train in a wheelchair? Or find out which stations have wheelchair access?
Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by iso1631 on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @09:31AM (#36680710)
Ticket office staff won't help you there.
Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by ClumsyPilot on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @10:00AM (#36681092)
they literally tell yoy which stations are accessible and which ones arent.
Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by iso1631 on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @10:36AM (#36681582)
"get off the train in a wheelchair"

Nothing to do with accessible stations, where they simply look up entries in a database and will have very little personal knowledge.

Re:Why privatisation has been a costly failure in Britain by ClumsyPilot on Tuesday July 11, 2023 @01:55PM (#36684677)
I dont think this is true, but suppose it was - so what? If I am travelling eith my daughter I often need advice from the ticket office folks. It does not matyer how they aquire it.

Additionally, often the ticket office gives better rates -

https://twitter.com/CraigJordanBak1/status/16786743395735101...

The fact that you dont know this, betrays the fact that you havw no idea how the UK ticket prices are actually set