Scotrail consultation on proposed changes to service

No members of staff would lose their job in this review of all customer-facing functions, and it will deliver improvements for people travelling, and better meet the needs of rail users.

The company is undertaking the wide-ranging review of functions including ticket office opening hours, as it looks to transform the railway following the impact of the pandemic.

While some aspects of the travelling patterns of customers will return, others will never be the same, and the review will ensure the best possible service is provided to those using ScotRail services and stations.

From the proposed changes, the company believes it will see less fare fraud and ticketless travel, generate and protect more revenue, reduce antisocial behaviour, introduce new family-friendly working hours and part-time shifts.

Transport Focus, the independent watchdog for transport users, is conducting a public consultation seeking customers’ views on the proposed changes , which opened on January 12. The proposals can be viewed at www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrail-ticket-office-consultation.

Before the pandemic, customers were increasingly using online options or Ticket Vending Machines, rather than ticket offices. 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 dramatic shift in customer patterns prompted a review of the opening hours of ticket offices for the first time since 1991 to see if the needs of customers are still being met. The assessment has considered where there is a decline in tickets sales at stations, the opportunities that exist to reduce fraudulent travel, and how to increase revenue through more revenue protection teams.

Customers can review the proposed changes at their stations via the website www.scotrail.co.uk - ScotRail Ticket Office Consultation.

The most significant benefit of the proposed changes is to deliver a financially and environmentally sustainable railway that will deliver value for money for customers and taxpayers.

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 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.”

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