THE Scottish Government has been urged to step in and "put an end" to ScotRail’s plans to cut opening hours at ticket offices.
In a joint letter signed by multiple campaigning organisations, the union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) claimed the plans will “worsen accessibility, safety, and service” for passengers across Scotland.
ScotRail announced plans at the end of October to reduce opening hours at many ticket offices, saying data showed that the vast majority of travellers now buy tickets online.
At the time, ScotRail said the plans would mean 54 stations would have their ticket office opening hours reduced, while hours would increase at 12 other stations.
Yet on Monday, RMT said up to 100 ticket offices out of 143 staffed stations in Scotland could be impacted by the planned reductions.
On their website, ScotRail has provided an updated figure for the number of ticket offices impacted. The rail operator said six ticket offices (half the figure previously provided) will have increased opening hours, while 31 ticket offices will see a reduction in opening hours and 106 ticket offices will see no change to staffing hours.
The rail operator said no jobs will be lost and zero ticket offices will close because of the change.
ScotRail cited a “decrease in customers buying at ticket offices” and said there has been a 50% drop in ticket office sales in the past decade.
RMT claimed that the move would remove the guarantee of station staffing, which they said would leave many passengers unable to access assistance.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "ScotRail’s reckless plan will cut off vital support for passengers, particularly disabled and vulnerable travellers.
"The Scottish Government must step in now and put an end to this disgraceful attack on passengers and rail workers alike."
Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell previously signalled his support for a U-turn on the move, saying ScotRail and the Scottish Government should reverse the decision.
He said: “These cuts would have a devastating effect on Scotland’s railways for workers and passengers.
“In particular, these cuts will harm the many disabled passengers who rely on Scotland’s railways; these station staff are vital for helping them board trains and ensuring that they safely make their journeys.
“The expertise of station staff is crucially important during the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring that they are there to provide help to navigate a complicated system while providing advice on the cheapest tickets and best times to travel by train."
