STAFF and commuters at Haslemere station say they feel aggrieved at the proposed changes to ticket office opening hours, highlighted by the Herald last week. As part of a review into office hours, South West Trains (SWT) have proposed a reduction to services affecting Haslemere, Witley, Liphook and Milford stations. SWT say the way people buy tickets has changed dramatically, leading the review of ticket office hours, with ticket vending machines, internet sales and telesales accounting for more sales. The Herald asked commuters and staff at Haslemere station what they thought of the changes. One station assistant, who wishes to be unnamed, said the alterations are "stripping public services down", and felt let down by the Government's "no frills" policy. A regular commuter said: "Every new cut seems one sided, with no mutual benefits", and spoke of the increasing lack of regard for customers. Travelling with family, Jonathan Gorse highlighted the lack of staff late at night and feared a rise in vandalism and violence. He said: "Although the public are concerned with violent youths, the police seem more interested in targeting motorists." A station assistant said levels of assault have increased in recent months and further cutbacks were detrimental to public safety. He also said a large portion of tickets sold through the automated system were overpriced and station staff provided invaluable advice to passengers. Staff also said services such as toilets, waiting rooms and lifts will be locked earlier to prevent vandalism. Jake Wright, an 86-year old pensioner, described his one failed attempt to use a ticket machine, and the great inconvenience caused by lack of services. But, Chris, a 22-year old student, said he was not worried by a lack of staff and found the automated system efficient and user-friendly; as did two girls in their early-20s, who wish to be unnamed. Staff said reasons given by South West Trains were "the need to modernise towards the London transport system". Staff said conductors are forewarned of faulty ticket machines, but there is still a greater potential for ticketless rail users to suffer the £20 penalty fare under the new system. The public consultation will run until August 5. Passengers who wish to comment on the SWT's proposals can get in contact with Passenger Focus via the website, http://www.passenger-focus.org.uk">www.passenger-focus.org.uk or call the advice team on 08453 022 022, or write to Freepost, PO Box 4257, Manchester, M60 3AR.
