[iso1631]

Because ticket offices are a costly relic from the 20th century that simply are not needed, as evidenced by the collapsing usage of them.

[rrrhys]

Company: "Use the app" / cut back front line staff

People: "ugh, I will use the app"

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

[richbell]

There's a considerable portion of the population that does not own or feel comfortable using the Internet, and would prefer in-person interactions.

[iso1631]

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.

[ClumsyPilot]

Have you ever tried to get off the train in a wheelchair? Or find out which stations have wheelchair access?

[iso1631]

Ticket office staff won't help you there.

[ClumsyPilot]

they literally tell yoy which stations are accessible and which ones arent.

[iso1631]

"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.

[ClumsyPilot]

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