ScotRail urged to reverse Keith ticket office hours cuts as decision labelled ‘bad news’ for rail passengers
ScotRail has been urged to reconsider plans to introduce “extreme cuts” to ticket office opening times across stations in Moray.
The rail operator will reduce the ticket opening times by almost 12 hours per week in Forres, more than 18 hours per week in Elgin and more than 26 hours per week in Keith.
The move is expected to be enforced in early 2025.
A spokesperson for ScotRail 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."
ScotRail say that while ticket office opening times will change at the stations, staffing hours will remain the same.
Staff will also remain on site to sell tickets on the platform and to provide assistance with ticket vending machines.
Concerns have been raised, however, that the decision could lead to problems with accessibility and customer safety.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross says that he has already been contacted by concerned commuters.
He said: “These cuts are really bad news for rail passengers who use the ticket offices at Forres, Elgin and Keith stations.
“I am extremely concerned that these extreme cuts could lead to problems with accessibility and customer safety.
“Scotrail says that no staff will be made redundant because of these changes, due to be introduced next year, and that they will be available to help passengers and deal with anti-social behaviour.
“But local commuters have contacted me with concerns that this could result in the offices being open and available far less.
“I am concerned that elderly rail users and those with disabilities could find themselves without the assistance they need to be able to travel by train.
“I have written to Scotrail to ask them to reconsider these plans and I have also raised this with the SNP Scottish Government.
“They could surely intervene, given that the Scottish Government is ultimately responsible for Scotrail since taking it into public control and ownership in 2022.”
