The London Daily News

A survey has found one in three train stations in England and Wales are 'ghost stations' with unstaffed platforms and shut ticket offices.

Further cuts proposed

Several train companies are planning further cuts in the face of the economic downturn and an initial fall in the level of passengers.

First Capital Connect are set to shut 28 ticket offices on evenings and weekends along the old Thameslink north-south route - some staff have even objected by putting petitions in office windows. 

Stations which would be affected include Finsbury Park, Elephant & Castle, Harringay, Hornsey, Luton Airport Parkway, New Southgate, Stevenage and Tooting - they may see a 750 hour reduction in ticket office opening times.

Owners First Group made profits of £48.3 million in the six months to 30 September last year.

Lib Dem transport spokesperson Norman Baker, who conducted the survey, said:

"Standing on a deserted platform can be an intimidating experience."

Consultations "rushed" - job cuts

Unions have also accused FCC of trying to "rush through" the closures by allowing passengers less than a month in which to lodge objections.

Earlier in the year Transport Minister Lord Adonis blocked South West Trains plans to reduce ticket office hours at 114 stations - it had allowed a three-month consultation.

South West trains own surveys show that passengers prefer buying tickets from staff rather than using automated machines.

East Midlands rail has announced 162 redundancies, National Express are cutting 300 jobs and Capital Connect are planning to axe 800 hours a week from ticket office opening times.

photo credit: Daniel Bowen, Public Transport Users Association