Just spoken to Mike Bagshaw from TFLRail at the MMPA AGM▸ .
TfL» staff stations 1st to last train, & Taow is no different. However, while numbers are still affected by the pandemic, the south gateline staffing is “on reduced hours”. He didn’t know how reduced, but access is guaranteed outside these reduced hours.
There is no plan currently to adjust these levels until customer numbers return to pre-covid levels for at least some of the week. The eastern end is returning faster than the western end.
Lastly, he mentioned that there is now a “train enthusiast” access ticket that costs 10p per hour. So no free access through the gates.
Suspect the gates are left open if unmanned?
It's a minor pain as it used to be handy to be able to cut through the station but I think the improvements are worth it.
Taplow seems to be quite popular with trainspotters, I see a small group of them there quite regularly, older age group, hopefully the 10p an hour charge won't cause riots!!!