Scottish rail unions threaten strike ballot over cutbacks at ticket offices
in 2014 meant the scheme was not self-sufficient and the decision has been made to close Bike & Go across the UK.”
A Scotrail spokesman said: “Bike & Go was part of our commitment to cycling provision for customers.
“We have engaged with Transport Scotland other key stakeholders regarding the closure of the scheme and outlined Scotrail’s ongoing commitment to cycle provision at stations.
“This includes ongoing work with commercial cycle hire schemes to locate cycle hire facilities at our stations.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Although it is disappointing, we will ensure Scotrail continues to seek a suitable alternative as part of its commitment to support active travel [walking and cycling] and transport integration.” A strike ballot is planned at Scotrail after unions said up to 15 jobs were at risk from station ticket office cuts.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) and the Transport Salaries Staffs Association (TSSA) claimed Scotrail planned to reduce the number of ticket windows and staffing at eight stations – Edinburgh Haymarket, Glasgow Queen Street, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Paisley, Perth and Stirling.
It is understood between six and 15 jobs are threatened.
Scotrail said there would be no compulsory redundancies and called for further talks.
RMT Scottish organiser Mick Hogg said: “They are doing away with jobs to save money and passengers will suffer.
“I’m sending a report to the union’s general secretary recommending a ballot for action.”
In a statement, the unions said: “We are committed to working together to resist the proposals put forward by Scotrail and are preparing to ballot our respective members to resist their implementation.”
Scotrail head of customer operations Phil Campbell said: “Our proposals are about meeting the changing needs of our customers and the way they choose to pay for their journey.
“Scotrail operates a very clear policy of no compulsory redundancies – everyone who currently has a job will still have one.”
Scotrail said the many passengers bought tickets online or at machines but ticket office staffing was based on buying patterns nearly 30 years ago.
It said its proposals ensured opening and closing times remained unchanged.