ScotRail is set to reduce its opening hours at more than 50 ticket offices, it has been revealed.
The move comes as more travellers have been buying tickets online, following data published in 2021 which showed a “dramatic increase” in online ticket purchases.
ScotRail said in the past decade, there has been a 50% drop in ticket office sales, with current data showing 16% of sales are at ticket offices, with 90% of those sales at just 20 stations.
The figures also revealed that a fifth of sales take place at ticket vending machines at stations, while 43% of tickets are bought online – either on the website or the app.
ScotRail will reduce the hours at 54 offices - such as Easterhouse, Argyle Street, Clydebank and Garrowhill, while the hours at 12 others will increase.
There will be no change to the ticket office opening hours at the remaining 77 staffed stations.
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The decision follows a consultation by the independent passenger watchdog, Transport Focus.
For the full list of changes to stations, click HERE
ScotRail went on to say that no jobs will be lost and no ticket offices will close as a result of the change, which will be implemented next year.
Instead, where ticket offices see reduced hours, staff will carry out other customer-supporting roles within their existing job description, such as ticket barrier duties and revenue protection.
ScotRail said customers will benefit from increased staff visibility, helping with ticket selling/inspection and tackling anti-social behaviour, as well as “increased support” from platform help points, with advice available on buying tickets.
The train operator also said it will provide significant notice to customers before the changes to ticket office opening hours take place.
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Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “The independent passenger watchdog Transport Focus carried out an extensive consultation on these proposals, which received feedback from thousands of people across Scotland. We have listened to our customers and updated our proposals based on that feedback.
“These changes will provide a service that is better suited for today and the ticket-buying habits of our customers, as well as create an environment that improves safety and customer support.”
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