THE RMT rail union has demanded an end to ticket office cuts and chronic understaffing on the London Overground.

Arriva Rail London, which runs the Overground service, has slashed ticket office hours and removed Oyster services, a move that has left passengers, particularly the most vulnerable, with limited support. 

Today RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Staff shortages and the removal of key services can put passengers at risk, especially those who rely on face-to-face assistance.

“The Mayor [Sadiq Khan] must demand the immediate restoration of ticket office hours and reinstate Oyster facilities to ensure the overground meets public needs.”

While services deteriorate, ARL has dished out £40 million in dividends since 2017.

Some 70 per cent of stations are understaffed, according to RMT. In a staff survey, 89 per cent said that the cuts had reduced safety and security.

Mr Lynch said: “Arriva Rail London’s focus on profits over people must end.

“We call on the mayor to ensure all vacancies are filled and ticket offices are properly staffed to meet the needs of passengers across the network.”