Ticket offices at Stirling’s main train stations are set to have reduced hours starting next year as part of Scotrail’s modernisation plans. The decision comes after research revealed a significant increase in online and app ticket purchases, leading to a 50% drop in sales at physical ticket offices. The changes will particularly impact Stirling Station, with the ticket office closing an hour earlier on Saturdays at 8pm and almost three hours earlier on Sundays at 7.15pm. Weekdays will also see adjustments, with the office closing at 8pm from Mondays to Thursdays and at 8.15pm on Fridays. Additionally, Dunblane Station will experience a half-hour reduction in operating hours during weekdays and Saturdays.
According to Scotrail’s 2021 survey, only 16% of tickets were bought at physical offices, with the majority of those sales originating from 20 stations. Following a consultation with Transport Focus, 12 ticket offices will see increased hours while 54 will have reduced hours. Scotrail assures that there will be no job losses due to these changes, with staff focusing on customer support duties such as ticket barrier management. The rail operator believes that the adjustments will allow staff to better assist customers, address ticketing issues, and tackle antisocial behaviour.
Phil Campbell, Customer Operations Director at Scotrail, emphasised that the modifications were influenced by feedback from customers and Transport Focus. He stated that the changes align with current customer preferences for ticket purchasing and aim to enhance safety and customer service. Overall, the changes aim to create a more efficient and customer-centric ticketing service in line with modern trends and needs.