Transport for London, which is chaired by Boris Johnson, today unveiled plans to cut 750 station staff and close all but six tube ticket offices in London. The proposals have been challenged by Local London Assembly Member John Biggs, who described them as “deeply worrying for passenger safety”.
These proposals will result in the closure of ticket offices at Whitechapel, Canary Wharf, Dagenham Heatway and East Ha. IIn 2008, Boris Johnson pledged to make transport more convenient in his election manifesto: “By halting the proposed Tube ticket office closures, and ensuring there is always a manned ticket office at every station.”
Local London Assembly Member John Biggs said:
“These plans are deeply worrying and could lead to a significant reduction in the service Londoners receive in our great city. The mayor was elected on a clear promise to keep ticket offices open. The last thing we need is a reduction in frontline staff. No station should be unstaffed while trains are running. At a time when fares are going up above inflation this is the very least Londoners should expect.
“We need to make sure there are enough staff on duty to keep our stations safe, help passengers and deal with emergencies. We must protect standards of service and passenger safety. We believe there should be a Passenger’s Charter clearly setting out what Londoners can expect from their transport system. Passengers must be able to get help with tickets, refunds, information and access must be ensured for disabled people.”
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