Ash Regan MSP calls for Scottish Government to withdraw “ongoing threat” of cuts to ScotRail Ticket Offices

Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan MSP has called on the Scottish Government to withdraw the ongoing threat of cuts to ScotRail Ticket Offices. 

Ms Regan, who at the weekend became the first Alba Party member of the Scottish Parliament, has made the call after the UK Government announced a u-turn to similar proposals south of the border. 

Rail companies had wanted to shut almost all of England's 1,007 train station outlets. But the plans prompted uproar from unions, charities and passenger groups.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper confirmed he had asked train operators to "withdraw their proposals" following a public consultation.

Rail Union RMT today welcomed the UK Government’s complete withdrawal of its ticket office closure plans in light of passenger watchdog objections as a complete victory and has now called on the Scottish Government to follow suit. 

At Alba Party’s Annual Conference at the weekend, the RMT’s Scottish Organiser Gordon Martin made a fraternal address setting out the challenges his members faced. 

Commenting Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan MSP said: 

“The RMT’s campaign victory south of the border is welcome and I would now ask the Scottish Government to once and for all withdraw the ongoing threat of cuts to ScotRail Ticket offices. 

“Any cuts will deter passengers from the rail network and make it less accessible for disabled and elderly passengers. I am particularly concerned about cuts to ticket offices that would put at further risk the safety of women and girls by reducing the times that staff are guaranteed to be present at stations. 

“The Scottish Government should now step in and urgently make clear that the threat to ticket office closures is over.”