Interesting to (re)mind ourselves of the view of the public on closed ticket offices such that no assistance is available
The mish mash of online train ticket sites is a mess. Even booking a wholly GWR▸ journey with bike reservations you need to do it in a ticket office with a employee on their (Fujitsu!!) computer system. All the vast majority of the public need is an online system that offers the right information, at the best price, with the station machines reflecting what is available online.
I have huge anxiety about getting on a train without a ticket and can't always buy in advance from home. This bothers me hugely. I have used the machines but find them tricky with railcards and options to get the best price.
Get the bus if it’s an issue with anxiety
Thanks but trains cover longer distances, have toilets ( if working) and more wheelchair space so for me the Bus is not possible always.
I can understand your worry. The last thing you want is to be hauled up before a magistrate for avoiding paying for a ticket. The railways are a total mess. There are a lot of people who simply cannot use a smart phone !