PLANS to reduce opening hours at ticket offices at train stations in Renfrewshire have been slammed.

Changes outlined in ScotRail’s ticket office consultation would see Johnstone, Bishopton and Paisley Gilmour Street stations affected by the proposed cuts.

Under the proposals, opening hours at Johnstone station’s office would be reduced by an hour and 10 minutes from Mondays to Thursdays.

On these same days, opening hours would be cut by two hours and 13 minutes at Bishopton station and nearly an hour and a half at Paisley Gilmour Street.

Weekend opening hours for offices at all three sites would also be reduced, with the exception of Sundays at Bishopton station.

West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby, whose remit includes Renfrewshire, said local passengers are being left with “a second-rate service.”

Mr Bibby, who is also Scottish Labour’s transport spokesman, told The Gazette: “Routes are being slashed, fares are being hiked and now ticket desks are being shut.

“Whatever ScotRail might say, these cuts will hit passengers, threaten jobs and undermine station safety.”

Labour colleague Katy Clark, who is also a West Scotland MSP, urged the Scottish Government to block the “disastrous” cuts.

She said: “It is not credible to say vending machines can fill the void. Workers have a vital role in assisting passengers and answering enquiries.”

The proposed changes are expected to impact 120 stations in Scotland, with ticket offices in Clydebank, Cartsdyke and Woodhall to be axed.

ScotRail claims the plans will mean less fare fraud and ticketless travel, generate and protect revenue, reduce anti-social behaviour and decrease carbon emissions.

Phil Campbell, head of customer operations, said: “There has been no real review of our ticket office opening hours for 30 years and it is important we keep up with the changing habits of customers who no longer rely on purchasing tickets in that way.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson added: “The aim of this review is to make changes that will ensure the modernisation of Scotland’s stations and offer passengers a more efficient and cost effective service for the future.”

Visit scotrail.co.uk/scotrail-ticket-office-consultation to have your say on the plans.