TSSA News Release

The planned cuts-at 24 SWT stations in Surrey, Hampshire, Wilts and Dorset-would leave women vulnerable to attack when they returned to darkened stations at night, warned the TSSA rail union.

Gerry Doherty, union general secretary, called on Stagecoach’s multi millionaire owner Brian Souter to withdraw the plan because it was "putting profits before passengers safety".

"More than 18 months ago Mr Souter asked the Government for permission to cut opening hours at more than 100 stations. Ministers rightly said no.

"Now he is trying to get cuts by the back door claiming that increased use of travel cards like Oyster reduces the need for open booking offices and booking office staff. That is poppycock.

"Every passenger survey shows that people are reassured to see a staffed booking office, particularly at night and at weekends. As well as cutting down on anti-social behaviour and graffiti, booking office staff can ensure that passengers get the cheapest ticket that is available.

"This is just another money making wheeze by a man who has made millions out of captive commuters on the busiest commuter route in England."

Stagecoach begins a formal consultation today with Passenger Focus and London Travel Watch over its plans which will see 19 out of 24 stations close on Sundays, nine all weekend and only two open beyond luchtime during the week, Sunningdale and Christchurch.

The union is urgings MPs, local councillors and passenger groups to protest to the company over the next three weeks against the move which will mean the loss of 13 booking office posts.