Most stations had a ticket window. The same booth could accommodate a variety of functions. Sometimes there were separate windows for train tickets and mail.

The design was chosen to create a seamless transition between the ticket office and the waiting room. Money and tickets were exchanged between the customer and the attendant through the two drawers.

This principle persisted into modern times, even though the entire wall of the booth was made of glass and the sliding drawers were replaced by a revolving plate.

In the past, the level of service provided by station staff could be hit or miss. Railway employees held esteemed positions and often treated the majority of the population as if they were entitled to their assistance.

This was evident when an elderly lady knocked on the ticket booth. When the stern stationmaster appeared, she asked:
"Has the mail arrived?"
"The mail is at the other window," the stationmaster barked before disappearing. The lady then moved a meter to the post window and knocked on it. The same station appeared there. Once again, the lady asked:
"Has the mail arrived?"
"No!" the stationmaster growled. He was a true friend of order and discipline.