In response to questioning from Darren Johnson AM, London Underground’s Managing Director Mike Brown has confirmed that tube station ticket offices will close without a deal having been reached with unions.
During his appearance at this morning’s London Assembly Transport Committee meeting, Mr Brown stated that the closures would begin at the end of 2014.
Darren Johnson called on London Underground to carry out trials before pushing ahead with the full closure plan. However, Mr Brown responded by stating that tube managers already have experience of stations without ticket offices and also ruled out a public consultation.
Darren Johnson AM commented:
“It is very disappointing to hear confirmation that these closure plans are being bulldozed through by the Mayor and TfL. 100,000 people use London Underground ticket offices daily and deserve to have their opinions on the closure plans taken into account, along with all other tube users.”
“A common sense approach would be to test out the closure plans on different types of stations around London and take on board the lessons to be learnt. There are big doubts that these staff cuts can go ahead without a significant impact on customer service. The Mayor should test and consult, rather than jumping in feet first with a full programme of closures.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Darren Johnson AM is available for comment