Passengers should be the priority for ScotRail ahead of turning a profit, a trade union has warned the SNP Government.
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) spoke out after a consultation was launched on whether to reduce ticket office opening hours at 54 stations across Scotland.
The move could see ticketing staff and other roles deployed elsewhere on the network for the remainder of their shift.
ScotRail is considering whether to increase staffing levels at 12 of the country’s busiest stations while reducing opening times at ticket offices elsewhere
The operator – which was taken back into public control by the SNP – insists such a move is justified by a steep drop in the sale of physical tickets as passengers increasingly book online.
Maryam Eslamdoust, TSSA general secretary, rejected that argument and warned ministers not to “repeat the failures” of privatisation.
“Bringing ScotRail into public hands was a victory for passengers, but it cannot be the last step,” she told the Herald. “TSSA has campaigned for public ownership since Network Rail was privatised and calls on the Scottish Government to invest in expanding and improving services, lowering fares, and ensuring rail is fully staffed and accessible to all.
“ScotRail must not repeat the failures of private ownership, which led to chronic under investment, soaring fares, and an unreliable transport network.
“That’s why TSSA is actively campaigning to keep ScotRail ticket offices open, they are essential for accessibility, passenger safety and a fully staffed railway that works for everyone.
“Our transport systems should be run for the people, not for profit.
“This is the Scottish Government’s chance to put passengers first and build a transport system fit for the future. Anything less would be a failure.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “The independent passenger watchdog Transport Focus carried out an extensive consultation on these proposals, which received feedback from thousands of people across Scotland.
“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, as well as create an environment that improves safety and customer support.”
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “We agree that public ownership and control provides Scotland’s railway with the best opportunities for the future and to provide the people of Scotland with the rail service they need and deserve.
“We are already making the sort of investment being called for while balancing best value for the public purse.
“As has been stated previously, we are open to considering increased investment in rail, including fares initiatives, should UK budget allocations to the Scottish Government improve in future years.”
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