RAIL unions united today to demand the Scottish government intervene to halt cuts to ticket offices at ScotRail.

The Scottish government-owned operator plans to slash 2,800 staff hours a week across 101 of the 143 ticket offices across Scotland in the coming year.

Making the announcement last month, after a consultation by passenger watchdog Transport Focus, ScotRail customer operations director Phil Campbell said: “We have listened to our customers and updated our proposals based on that feedback.

“These changes will provide a service that is better suited for today and the ticket-buying habits of our customers.”

Unions remain unconvinced that ScotRail is listening, arguing cutting staff presence in all but the busiest stations will not only make the network less accessible, but jeopardise the safety of workers and passengers.

The RMT brought that opposition to Holyrood today, joining TSSA comrades, Labour and Green MSPs in a rally outside the Scottish Parliament, before taking their case directly to SNP transport secretary Fiona Hyslop in a meeting to demand her intervention.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The Scottish government has the power to stop these outrageous plans from going ahead.

“Slashing ticket office hours will leave stations less safe, less accessible, and erode the quality of rail services.

“Let’s send a clear message to ScotRail and the government that we will not accept these attacks on our members and the detrimental impact on passengers.”

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Railway ticket offices are far more than just selling points – they are vital for ensuring the safety of women, girls, and other vulnerable passengers. 

“They provide a lifeline for pensioners, people with disabilities, and those with learning difficulties, making the railways accessible and secure for everyone.

“ScotRail ticket offices must remain fully open, with no reduction in hours.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said “no ticket offices will close and no jobs will be lost” and said oppositon to the move risked causing “unnecessary fear amongst those most affected by the changes currently being consulted on.”

But backing the unions’ campaign, West of Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark told the Star: “Research shows women and girls feel more comfortable using public transport if there are booking offices.

“These proposals to cut booking office hours across Scotland undermine women’s confidence in public transport.

“We need staff at stations and policies that encourage people to use our railways and buses, not cuts.”