The importance of rail travel is being "undermined" by the Scottish Government says one politician.
Paisley-based Neil Bibby made the remark during a Holyrood exchange as he pressed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to intervene in a bid to stop proposed cuts to the staffing of ticket offices currently being mooted by outgoing Dutch-owned operator Abellio.
The failing outfit are set to hand over control of the Scottish rail network to the new arms-length ScotRail operation overseen by the Scottish Government, after Transport Secretary Michael Matheson ruled out extending Abellio's contract last year.
He took the action saying the franchising system was no longer fit for purpose after the company presided over a string of failures, including failing to meet reliability standards on many services.
But Abellio drew criticism after announcing last week that they were to consult over cuts in staffing at many stations including the ticket offices at Paisley Gilmour Street, Johnstone and Bishopton.
Under the plans tickets offices would shut earlier in the evenings and three Scottish stations including Clydebank, will have offices shut permanently.
Rail union RMT have branded the plans "regressive" and slammed a decision to allow Abellio to axe station hours when they are set to be ousted as rail operator from April 1.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Labour's furious West of Scotland list MSP Neil questioned premier Ms Sturgeon over the issue in the Scottish Parliament last week.
He asked the First Minister for the government's response to the plans to slash opening hours at 120 stations in addition to the three planned closures, saying: "Ticket office staff play a crucial role in making our railways safe and accessible. Many of those workers go above and beyond, such as those at Dalmuir whose quick thinking recently saved a life. A properly staffed rail network is essential to reduce car use and meet Scotland’s climate ambitions. However, under the Government, rail is being undermined.
"ScotRail is cutting 300 services per day, fares will be hiked up by 3.8 per cent next week, ticket desks are shutting, and there is still no fully integrated smart ticketing for passengers. To drive modal shift, the rail network must be more attractive and more accessible to passengers. Will the First Minister therefore stop these ticket office closures?"
But the First Minister, who had said the aim of the review is to "modernise" stations, fired back: "We will consult on what a modern system of railway stations and offices looks like. I absolutely agree on the importance of ticket office staff and, where they are necessary, it is important to recognise that. However, everybody knows that, in many railway stations, the ticket process is now automated.
"We have to reflect that in how those services are delivered in future, and it is right that we consult properly so that we come to the right balanced decisions. We are investing heavily in our railways and we will continue to do so to ensure that they provide a service that the people of Scotland need and deserve, and have a right to expect.!"
She added: "To continue the theme of Opposition parties calling for things while this Government gets on with delivery, this Government is in the process of bringing ScotRail into public ownership, delivering the nationalisation that Scottish Labour only talks about."
A number of Renfrewshire stations, such as Paisley Canal, Paisley St James, Hawkhead, Milliken Park, Langbank, Howwood and Lochwinnoch already operate without ticket office facilities.
ScotRail say that no staff will lose their jobs as a result of any changes.
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."
He added: "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."
