It has been reported in the press that Transport Secretary Norman Baker has announced that paper train tickets will be phased out in favour of a smartcard system similar to Oyster Cards in London that will "always select the lowest fare".
He stated that "we've got train companies knocking on our doors to get ticket offices closed, so we need to put in place measures that work". In other words this new technology is to be instituted at the request and for the benefit of the privatised train operating companies to enable them to cut staffing costs as quickly as possible. I doubt that any passenger groups have been "knocking on Mr Baker's door" demanding even less staff on already-deserted stations on the rail network!
Like all new technology, we should insist that it is used to benefit the travelling public and the workers that serve them rather than putting more money in the pockets of private shareholders. Our experience of Oyster on the Underground should convince rail passengers that this technology will be used first and foremost to increase profitability at the expense of customer service.
When you enter the London Train network with a pay-as-you-go Oystercard it actually selects the highest fare to charge you, so that you can be stung for the maximum amount if you do not touch out.
LU is extending smartcard ticketing and mooting ‘wave and pay’ technology for exactly the same reasons – to undermine ticket offices and eliminate the grade of LU ticket sellers. The National Rail announcement shows LU’s is part of a corporate-program, backed by anti-worker politicians, which extends across our industry. We should link up with National Rail’s battles and press politicians for a rail service that benefits workers and passengers, not private shareholders.
