Dismore urges Overground ticket station closure rethink
Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore says plans by Arriva Rail Limited (ARL) to close ticket offices on the London Overground network need to be rethought. The plans, which mirror what TfL did on the underground network, aim to provide more visible staffing on platform and in stations.
The RMT and TSSA Unions have written to Members of the London Assembly expressing their concerns about safety, the pay and conditions of staff, and the range of services offered.
Mr Dismore said:
‘I understand the argument about visible station presence and accept that there is severe financial pressure due to a massive cut in transport funding by the Conservative Government. Nonetheless, I believe the Unions have very valid objections. Leaving a staff member at a station on their own could be very dangerous, especially at a time when crime at stations is on the rise in the majority of them.
‘The Labour Group on the Assembly are monitoring information from TfL, in particular the review of customer services and the review of ticket offices on a station-by-station basis. Going forward, it will be important to listen to stakeholders, such as the local councils, commuters and disability access groups.’
