RAIL union RMT accused ScotRail today of “trying to pull the wool over the public’s eyes” about the true scale of its proposed cuts to ticket office hours.

ScotRail says that only 54 stations would be affected by the cuts. 

But according to RMT, some 101 stations — 70 per cent of the network’s staffed locations — will lose critical ticket office hours, impacting safety and accessibility. 

According to the union’s analysis, the cuts amount to a reduction of a quarter of hours across all ScotRail stations. 

ScotRail also says that staffing levels will be maintained.

But RMT says that this is not guaranteed, as ticket offices are the only regulated staffing requirement at stations.

Staffed hours will be reduced by nearly 2,800 across the network every week, the union says.

RMT argued that some cuts are so drastic that they more or less amount to closures. 

Dalmarnock ticket office faces a 90 per cent cut in hours, a reduction of 96 hours a week, while Wemyss Bay would see a 61 per cent cut, losing 70 hours.

ScotRail intends to slightly extend hours at 12 stations, largely by opening on Sundays.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “ScotRail is trying to pull the wool over the public’s eyes by underplaying the extent of these cuts.

“Our analysis lays bare the real picture: over 100 stations stand to lose staffed hours, putting passengers, staff, and service quality at risk.

“We are calling on the Scottish government to stop these plans before they do damage to Scotland’s rail service.”

ScotRail maintained that staff hours will remain the same at 77 stations.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “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.”