SCOTRAIL is proposing to close three ticket offices and reduce the opening hours at dozens of others throughout the country. 

The news comes as a wide-ranging review of customer operations is currently underway.

Before the pandemic, customers were found to be increasingly using online options or Ticket Vending Machines, rather than ticket offices.

ScotRail says there has been a 50 per cent drop in the use of ticket offices over the past 10 years, with the pandemic quickening that pace of change.

This prompted the review of opening hours for the first time since 1991.

In proposed changes, ScotRail looks to close ticket offices at Clydebank station in West Dunbartonshire, Cartsdyke station in Greenock and Woodhall station in Port Glasgow.

These stations will remain open with all other facilities remaining, such as ticket vending machines, help points where customers can speak to staff, and 24-hour CCTV.

ScotRail has made it clear that no-one will lose their job. Staff will be redeployed to provide enhanced customer service.

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Transport Focus, the independent watchdog for transport users, will conduct a public consultation on behalf of ScotRail seeking the views of customers about the proposed changes, which will begin on 12 January.

Phil Campbell, head of customer operations, said: “There has been no real review of our ticket office opening hours for 30 years, and it is important we keep up with the changing habits of customers who no longer rely on purchasing tickets in that way.

“With more than a 50 per cent drop in the use of ticket offices, heightened by the pandemic, we want to do everything we can to make sure everyone has a hassle-free journey.

“Nobody in ScotRail will lose their jobs as a result of these changes, and it is important to note that rather than being about cutting jobs, this is about adding value for our staff and customers.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be talking to customers, staff, and stakeholders about the improvements they can expect to see and experience as they travel around Scotland’s Railway.”

Customers can review the proposed changes by clicking here.