CAMPAIGNERS and trade unionists have called on the Scottish government to halt ScotRail’s proposed cuts to up to 100 ticket offices.

In a joint letter to Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop today, the organisations said they were concerned that the SNP government authorised ScotRail to proceed with the plans which they said would worsen accessibility, safety and services for passengers.

ScotRail said in October that the hours at 54 ticket offices would be reduced while 12 at other stations would see their hours increased, citing figures that most travellers were buying tickets online.

But the letter, signed by RMT general secretary Mick Lynch, STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham, Paula Peters of Disabled People Against Cuts, Caroline Rance of Friends of the Earth Scotland and others said 100 out of 143 staffed stations could be affected.

A recent public consultation showed 98 per cent of respondents opposed the cuts.

“We believe it is disappointing that despite the vital role that Scotland’s railway has [to] play in delivering modal shift to sustainable travel, the Scottish government seems intent on pursuing policies that risk pushing passengers away from railway,” the letter said.

It highlighted that the move would remove the guarantee of station staffing, leaving many passengers, particularly those who are disabled or elderly, without vital assistance.

Women’s safety would also be compromised, it noted, pointing to Scottish government research shows that passengers feel safer at staffed stations.

The letter also outlined that the plans contrast with ScotRail’s legal duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty, to deliver assistance, with the proposed alternative of help points being “entirely inadequate.”

Ticket offices also provide critical services unable online or at vending machines, the letter said, making rail travel even less accessible for those without digital access.

Mr 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.”

ScotRail said no jobs would be lost and zero ticket offices would close because of the change.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We welcome that ScotRail and the unions have engaged in consultation, and that unions were listened to during the process to influence changes. This shows the importance of consultation and dialogue.  We expect this to continue and that the changes will not impact passengers’ convenience and facilities.

“To be clear, these amendments will not see any ticket office closures. There will be no job losses and arrangements to assist disabled travellers will not be affected.”