Transport unions are calling on the public to ‘vigorously oppose’ any mass closure of railway ticket offices amid speculation that the government is set to unveil such plans next week.

Campaign group Association of British Commuters claims that almost 1,000 ticket offices could be earmarked for closure under first-stage consultation proposals it believes the Department for Transport is getting ready to release.

Unions the RMT and TSSA have both responded to the news – pledging to fight any closures of ticket offices which they say would put both jobs at risk and leave vulnerable passengers struggling to use train services.

With around one in every eight tickets bought through station ticket offices – and the majority now purchased online or via machines - operators are reportedly considering losing around four fifths of offices and moving those staff to broader roles on train station platforms and concourses.

However the RMT, which already has three strike dates planned for July in its ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions, argues that ticket offices don’t just sell tickets and passengers benefit from advice, assistance, accessibility and a ‘place of safety’ the service can also offer.

The Department for Transport has not commented on the leak or timeframe of any likely consultation. However this is not the first time ticket office closures have been muted, with suggestions back in 2022 from disability groups that they could be on the cards.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "There are rumours circulating online that the DfT plans to announce mass ticket office closures next week.

"The train operating companies and the government must understand that we will vigorously oppose any moves to close ticket offices. We will not meekly sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be sacrificed or see disabled and vulnerable passengers left unable to use the railways as a result.”

Rail union TSSA said it too ‘will work hand in glove with the public’ to fight any closures.

Interim secretary Peter Pendle said: “If the government wants to go down this route they should know we will vigorously oppose the totally unnecessary mass closure of ticket offices.

“Booking office staff are vital because they give passengers advice and assistance on ticket information, station security and can assist those with disabilities, limited mobility or young children.

“The impact of closing ticket offices would be felt by millions of people and have a detrimental impact on our communities up and down the land.

“We also need MPs across the House of Commons to make it clear they will not allow the railways to be damaged in this way. We need clarity from the government about their plans, and what this means for our members so that we have a railway network which works for all.”