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London Assembly condemns staff cuts on the Underground

Transport for All

The London Assembly has voted to affirm...

The London Assembly has voted to affirm the importance of safe levels of staffing on the Underground. At the London Assembly on 20th October, members made clear their opposition to Transport for London’s proposed cuts, which will result in a reduction of over 7,400 person hours every week across the network.

The motion was introduced by Valerie Shawcross, the chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee.

The text of the motion is as follows:

“The London Assembly is opposed to Transport for London’s proposals to shed up to 800 ticket office and gateline jobs on London Underground. The number of stations which will be staffed by only one person working alone for some time will increase. Ticket machines alone are no replacement for the presence of trained Underground staff and the over reliance on ticket machines will disproportionately impact on those passengers who have a disability. This Assembly believes that passengers will feel less safe on poorly staffed stations particularly at early mornings and in late evenings.

This Assembly urges Transport for London and its Chair, Mayor Boris Johnson, to review this decision and re-affirm reasonable and safe staffing levels right across the London Underground network to ensure passengers continue to receive excellent service from London Underground.”

Disabled and older people across the capital have expressed deep disquiet over the proposals to cut the number of tube staff. Already, before the cuts have been fully implemented, disabled and older people are reporting finding stations unstaffed, and being unable to access the help they require. Cuts to staff will only worsen the situation and will mean that some disabled and older people will no longer be able to use the tube.

A man standing in front of a painted brick wall smiling at the camera. He is holding a cane and is wearing glasses, a black jacket and a grey t-shirt. A man standing in front of a painted brick wall smiling at the camera. He is holding a cane and is wearing glasses, a black jacket and a grey t-shirt.

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