TfL unveiled plans to cut 750 jobs and close ticket offices in London

Plans to close ticket offices on the London Underground have been described as 'reckless and irresponsible' and Ealing's Council Leader says they must be opposed.

Despite Boris Johnson’s manifesto commitment to keep them open it was announced yesterday that every ticket office will close by 2015 with the loss of up to 750 jobs.

In an attempt to soften the blow the news was released at the same time as plans were announced for 24 hour tube services over Friday and Saturday nights.

TfL say that many stations will still have ticket halls rather than ticket offices and staff will be encouraged to deal face-to-face with passengers.

TfL have committed that all stations will have staff working at them whilst trains are operating.

The RMT union have described the plans as ’lethal’ and have already warned about the possibility of strike action which could take place before Christmas. TfL say there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of the plan although staff may need to accept the need for ‘greater flexibility’.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"The mayor must believe he is some sort of magician if he thinks he can slash a thousand jobs and still run safe services when everyone knows that staffing has already been cut to the bone while passenger demand continues to rise."

Ealing's Council Leader,  Cllr Julian Bell has called on Ealing residents to work together to oppose the plans. He said :

“As a result of the Mayor of London’s plans, people in Ealing will feel more anxious travelling from Acton or Northolt when the stations may be deserted. Commuters across the borough will have nowhere to turn when their oyster card is lost, stolen or broken. It will make the daily commute more difficult for everyone but most worryingly, there are serious concerns about whether there will be enough staff at Ealing stations to respond in emergency situations. We will stand side-by-side with residents across Ealing to oppose these plans.”

Sadiq Khan, Shadow London Minister said:

 “The Mayor has today ripped up his manifesto promise to the people of London. His plans are reckless and irresponsible.”

22nd November 2013