Move to stop ticket office cuts

The union said ticket machines are no substitute for people

A rail union has begun a campaign to reverse plans to cut ticket office opening times at a number of stations.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said some offices would close at weekends and 22 jobs may be lost under proposals by First Capital Connect.

The RMT said more than 40 stations in London and in areas such as Luton and St Albans would be affected by plans to reduce opening times.

First Capital Connect said ticket offices would be open at peak times.

The company said the exact opening times were still subject to ongoing consultations with staff and passenger groups.

The union has urged passengers to make formal objections to the plans by a deadline of 3 February.

The RMT's general secretary Bob Crow said: "These cuts would see some stations lose their ticket offices entirely at the weekend and will leave stations inadequately staffed at weekends and in the evening, which can only make passengers feel less secure.

"Ticket machines are no substitute for real people offering help and advice, not least for disabled travellers and some passengers would end up paying more than the inflated fares they already have to."

In a statement, the company said: "Any changes would be the first change to ticket office hours for some 10 years on our route and follows a comprehensive review of all our ticket sales.

"Any change would see the ticket office remain open at peak hours of ticket buying."