Controversy, anger and campaigns have broken out over the news that 675 ticket offices may be closed in England and Wales.

Up to 1,000 staff losing jobs is certainly a reason for this response.

Yet with the massive increase in ticket sales via machines or the internet, some ticket offices do appear to be out-dated, under-used and ultimately unnecessary.

Closing those offices that serve few passengers and already operate limited opening hours could save money whilst having minimal impact on customers travelling by rail. Machines can be quicker, cheaper and more practical.

However we will lose the advantage of the opportunity to talk to a real person, and receive help if you’re not sure what ticket to buy or how to get to a particular destination. Staff can also help passengers to make the right choice and thus save money.

Additionally, ticket machines require a degree of aptitude that not all passengers are equipped with. While I do not condone passenger ignorance, this can result in long queues full of impatient people, leading to more frustration with our rail system.

Our ever-advancing society has previously cut staff in favour of technology to complete work, and while it is sometimes accepted, and even welcomed, major replacements of human workers will always raise opposition.