Andrew Dismore

LONDONASSEMBLYLABOUR
press office: 020 7983 4952

news release
21.11.2013
Immediate release

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 London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden, Andrew Dismore, who described them as “deeply worrying for passenger safety”.

These proposals will result in the closure of ticket offices at Brent Cross, Burnt Oak, Colindale, East Finchley, Edgware, Finchley Central, Golders Green, Hendon Central, High Barnet, Mill Hill East, Totteridge & Whetstone, West Finchley and Woodside Park in Barnet and Belsize Park, Camden Town, Chalk Farm, Chancery Lane, Euston Square, Finchley Road, Goodge Street, Hampstead, Holborn, Kentish Town, Mornington Crescent, Russell Square, Swiss Cottage Warren Street and West Hampstead in Camden. In 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.”

London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore 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.”

“Residents living in outer London will be hit particularly hard. Not only are transport fares much higher but if there are no ticket offices open then residents will have to travel into central London to use one.”