Changes to how ticket offices will operate would see staff moving from behind the glass on to concourses as the sites are set to close.

New proposals from rail operators would see all ticket offices in Sussex close due to the vast majority of tickets now being bought either at self-service machines or online.

Instead, staff would be placed on concourses at stations to help give support to passengers. The proposals would also mean staff would be available for longer.

Jenny Saunders, customer service director for GoviaThameslink Railway, said: “This is a real opportunity to modernise and improve the experience of our customers.

“Our colleagues would continue to have a really valuable role in helping passengers – these proposals aim to enhance the excellent work they do.

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“It’s important to stress that no station that is staffed today would become unstaffed and we would continue to provide accessibility support and assistance.”

In statistics released by GTR, only one in ten tickets bought are now bought at ticket offices with passengers preferring self-service machines and services such as Trainline.

Under the proposals, no stations that are currently staffed would be unstaffed and hours that staff are available would be extended.

In busier stations such as Brighton, Eastbourne and Haywards Heath, ticket offices could still be accessed by staff to help passengers buy tickets that cannot be found online.

A GTR spokesman stressed that no decisions had been finalised and were subject to consultations with the public and rail unions.

Critics of the plans say that the plans would leave those who rely on ticket offices unable to travel.

Adur and Worthing councillor Cat Arnold said: “Where is the support for disabled, neurodiverse, young, and elderly people who need that support of a physical person?”

However, GTR stressed that in-person assistance would still be there for those who needed it.

Public consultation for the plans opens today and ends on July 26. The consultations can be accessed on the Southern, ThamesLink and Gatwick Express websites and printed copies can be requested at staffed stations.