STOP AVANTI TICKET OFFICE CUTS

F irst Group rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has proposed reductions to ticket office opening hours. It is proposing these changes despite overwhelming public opposition to plans in 2023 to close around ticket offices, including at GWR, which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and station staff for many rail passengers. A recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail, and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people can travel by rail. It is also concerned that GWR’s proposals will undermine the role of ticket offices to the detriment of passenger safety, security and accessibility. RMT, which represents GWR station staff, is opposed to these proposals and has expressed concerns about a lack of proper negotiation by the company. GWR paid out dividends of £24.3m in 2024 and is operating under a National Rail contract managed and funded by the government The union is calling on the government to instruct GWR to scrap its proposed changes to ticket offices and stations and commit to retaining all ticket office and station staffing levels, operating hours and window provision. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2025 :: RMTnews 4 STOP TICKET OFFICE CUTS AT GREAT WESTERN R MT has demanded that Avanti West Coast act against ticket office staff shortages as it impacts passengers and puts undue pressure on staff. Following a successful RMT campaign with overwhelming public support plans to close ticket offices nationwide were abandoned. However, Avanti has yet to reverse staffing decisions made during the closure threat. Over recent months, the company has not replaced staff who have retired, left or taken voluntary redundancy, leading to a shortage of workers at key stations including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, and London Euston. As a result, many ticket offices are now closed during advertised hours, and passengers often face long queues when they are open. Current staff are under significant strain, with increased workloads contributing to rising sickness levels and Avanti is now proposing a rostering review that would effectively lock in the existing shortages. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that the public had made it clear that they value and rely on station ticket offices. “Now that these offices have been saved, they must be properly staffed. Passengers expect reliability and face-to- face service, and our members deserve the resources and support to deliver that. “We are urging Avanti to act responsibly and restore staffing levels as a matter of priority.” RMT is encouraging passengers through leafleting campaigns to write to their local MP and to support the union’s campaign effort. STOP AVANTI TICKET OFFICE CUTS