Update: This is an update of our exclusive Nub News story that was published on July 3, 2022 and again on June 28, 2023.

Plans to shut virtually every railway ticket office are to be announced tomorrow, Thursday, July 6.

Posters will be put up in around 1,000 stations including Hitchin as a 21-day public consultation commences, Nub News understands.

Train operators are forcing through the project despite fierce opposition from unions and commuter railway groups with ministers demanding rail firms push ahead with plans that RMT union has pledged to oppose.

Nearly 1,000 offices are believed to be targeted for closure under government proposals to cut costs and 'modernise' the railway.

Conservative government ministers have consistently declined to shed light on the extent of the plans, in the face of concern from unions and passenger groups - and voters.

However, the first stage in the formal process will come this week, according to rail sources quoted by the Association of British Commuters, a campaign group.

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End of the line: Hitchin railway station ticket office earmarked for closure

The manned ticket office at Hitchin railway station has been earmarked for closure.

The station, which opened 173 years ago, is believed to have had a manned ticket station since the first sections of the Royston and Hitchin Railway welcomed passengers on October 21, 1850.

Above: The newspaper stall at a busy Hitchin railway station in the late 19th century. CREDIT: North Herts Museum

Why is Hitchin railway station ticket office set to close?

Ticket offices across Britain's railways are set to shut, with private rail companies wanting paper tickets to be phased out.

However, there are fears older generations will find it difficult to travel by train - with up to 3m elderly people not having internet access according to Age UK, with many more not have a smartphone to book and hold tickets.

Age UK said: "Many more [older people] lack an up-to-date smartphone or tablet, or live in a place with unreliable broadband.

"These people have relied on buying tickets face-to-face or over the phone and then collecting them from a station machine.

"What are they expected to do if everything goes online?"

Hitchin ticket office set to close

The news regarding Hitchin ticket office comes after the RMT revealed plans by the rail industry for a swathe of ticket offices closures across the network, with more than 1,000 ticket offices facing immediate risk of closure. 

The development comes after more than 40,000 staff at Network Rail and 13 train operators went on strike last summer following talks over pay and job losses failed to be resolved.

The RMT insists the forthcoming closure of ticket offices is down to train companies aiming to save money and cost costs by sidelining many thousands of station staff roles - including Hitchin station.

The union fear the move will make the railway far less safe, while becoming far more difficult for those with disabilities as well more challenging for the elderly - while also facilitating a 'muggers paradise' in dimly lit stations late at night - also including nearby Stevenage station.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The rail industry has made no secret of its goal of closing all ticket offices, and the floodgates have now been opened for an annihilation of ticket offices across the network.

"Ticket office staff not only enhance the passenger experience, but they ensure our railways are safe, secure and accessible. Wholescale ticket office closures would be disastrous for passengers and leave our railway deserted. Disabled and elderly passengers will be particularly affected.

"This once more proves that the government's 'levelling up' agenda is a sham and that England's rail is being downgraded driving unnecessary social tensions between Britain's nations and demonstrating a political choice has been made to downgrade England's rail users compared to Wales and Scotland.

"Make no mistake, RMT is ready to use all means at our disposal to fight any attacks on ticket offices, we will be launching a widespread public and political campaign to protect ticket offices and our station staff members' jobs."

For more see the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement Schedule on the Rail Delivery Group website

Hitchin Nub News has contacted Govia Thameslink for comment