3 March 2025
RMT Press Office:
Rail union RMT, alongside other campaign organisations, has demanded the Scottish Government halts ScotRail’s proposed cuts at up to 100 ticket offices.
In a joint letter signed by multiple campaigning organisations, the union outlines how these plans will worsen accessibility, safety, and service for passengers across Scotland.
ScotRail is pushing ahead with these cuts despite 98% of public consultation respondents opposing them.
The move would remove the guarantee of station staffing, leaving many passengers—particularly disabled and elderly travellers—without vital assistance. Women’s safety will also be compromised, as Scottish Government research confirms that passengers feel safer at staffed stations.
ScotRail’s plans contradict their own legal duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). And its proposed alternative—reliance on help points—is entirely inadequate, with industry research showing a 50% failure rate in delivering assistance.
Ticket offices also provide critical services unavailable online or at vending machines, making rail travel even less accessible for those without digital access.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "ScotRail’s reckless plan will cut off vital support for passengers, particularly disabled and vulnerable travellers.
"Ticket offices are more than just places to buy tickets—they are lifelines for accessibility, safety, and service quality.
"The Scottish Government must step in now and put an end to this disgraceful attack on passengers and rail workers alike."
RMT is demanding that the Scottish Government instruct ScotRail to immediately scrap these plans and commit to protecting ticket offices and station staffing across Scotland.
END
Notes:
The joint letter is signed by:
Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary
Dave Moxham, STUC Deputy General Secretary
James Adams, Director, RNIB Scotland
Emma Vogelmann, Head of Campaigns, Policy, and Public Affairs, Transport for All
Stephen Brookes MBE, Transport Policy Adviser, Disability Rights UK
Kim Dams and Jim Elder-Woodward, Co-Convenors Inclusion Scotland
Caroline Rance, Head of Campaigns Friends of the Earth Scotland
Lyn Pornaro, CEO, Disability Equality Scotland
Cat Murphy, Executive Director, Engender
Paula Peters – Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC
Unity House
Tel: 020 7387 4771
Email: