TRAIN operator Grand Central has accused its main rival of anti-competitive practices, as the row over ticket barriers at York Station intensifies.

The firm says it will lose money to National Express East Coast (NXEC) if the latter’s plans get the go-ahead.

Grand Central passengers can currently buy tickets on-board trains, but the firm says that barriers would instead force people to use the ticket office, which is run by NXEC.

Tom Clift, Grand Central’s managing director, said his firm would lose money in ticket commission to NXEC, adding: “One could say, therefore, that the proposal is anti-competitive.”

In a broad attack on the plans, Mr Clift also said barriers would prevent “meeters and greeters” from helping passengers.

He said: “York is an iconic station: it has tradition and heritage and is of interest to visitors to York. The introduction of ticket barriers is likely to restrict enjoyment.”

Mr Clift’s objection is one of more than 200 now submitted against the plans. Consultation was due to end last Friday, but has been extended until January 22 at the request of conservation body English Heritage.

Many objections are from individuals, but the dedicated Campaign Against Barriers at York Station (Cabys) has also protested.

In a formal submission to City of York Council’s website, the group’s chairwoman, Verna Campbell, said NXEC had provided no strong evidence that they were needed for security reasons or to combat fare-dodging.

She wrote: “On behalf of many of the citizens of York, we can say that we have always considered ourselves to be entirely safe both while in York Station and when starting and ending our journeys there.” She said the group resented the suggestion that York residents were fare-dodgers, and added: “We are rather proud of our station and would very much like it to stay the way it is.”

An NXEC spokesman said the firm was in “ongoing dialogue” with various parties, including Grand Central.

He also said NXEC intended to put ticket-vending machines next to the barriers, for immediate sales.

Against other criticisms, he added: “We have a proven record of improving historic station buildings, such as at Durham, which has subsequently been awarded the title of UK Station of the Year in the prestigious National Rail Awards.

“The primary function of York Station is as a transport interchange: however we are committed to preserving its unique environment and so the materials to be used in the gating scheme are being chosen with this in mind.”