TRANSPORT union RMT has urged rail operator Avanti to address ticket office staff shortages on the West Coast Mainline.

Plans to close ticket offices nationwide were axed in 2023 after a successful campaign led by the rail union but RMT says that Avanti is yet to reverse staffing decisions made during the closure threat. 

The union has accused the firm of failing to replace staff who have retired, left, or taken voluntary redundancy; staff are under significant strain, with increased workloads contributing to rising sickness levels.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Now that these offices have been saved, they must be properly staffed. We are urging Avanti to act responsibly and restore staffing levels as a matter of priority.”

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with this response from the RMT as we have been in discussions with them about this subject over recent months, and we remain committed to working with them on this.”