In the last ten days Meldreth Station ticket office has been closed five times without warning. It’s now a lottery as to whether or not paying passengers will find the office open, even though it is advertised as open six mornings per week. There is never any warning – not even on Twitter, which Govia Thameslink Railway ostensibly uses to keep passengers updated on any service changes.

Unfortunately the new ticket machine is as unreliable as the ticket office. Sometimes it accepts cards not coins, and often it doesn’t work at all. I’ve received complaints from people who say that they’ve bought tickets, but can’t collect them from a machine that’s not working. One lady told me this morning that she can’t use her Senior Rail Card with the ticket machine, even though she’s travelling at a time of day that allows discounted travel.

Elizabeth Allen, a rail commuter from Bassingbourn, said, “One day last week when the booking office was closed, I stood in a long queue for the ticket machine only for it flash ‘out of order’ when my turn finally arrived. Another day I gave up and drove to work.’

Govia Thameslink Railway issues strong warnings about fines and prosecution for people travelling without a valid ticket. Most passengers want to travel honestly. However, not everyone has confidence that they will be believed when they arrive at their destination without a ticket.

The booking office is important because it allows people without internet access or credit cards to buy tickets and travel legally, and provides back-up when things go wrong. Sometimes the car park ticket machine doesn’t work either, and if the booking office is closed there’s no one to help.

When the Meldreth station manager retired back in 2015, Govia Thameslink Railway assured the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group that it was actively recruiting for a permanent member of staff. Fifteen months on, no one has been recruited and instead the company relies on temporary staff who rotate round the stations to cover gaps. Clearly there are not enough staff to fill all the gaps.

Confidence in the company’s word has taken a blow, which is very sad considering the excellent relationship that has been built up over the years. Hopefully Govia Thameslink Railway will turn the situation around and restore confidence and trust. Meanwhile, please do let the Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group know if you have any concerns.

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