ScotRail has revealed that ticket office opening hours are to drastically reduce at 54 stations including Barrhead and Neilston.

The changes will not affect trains stopping at the stations as set out in ScotRail’s timetable and no ticket offices will close.

The move is being taken following a consultation by the independent passenger watchdog Transport Scotland as increasing numbers of people turn to the ScotRail website, app or ticket machines to buy tickets.

The train operator said it will provide significant notice to customers before the changes come into effect, which is expected to be in 2025.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “The independent passenger watchdog Transport Focus carried out an extensive consultation on these proposals, which received feedback from thousands of people across Scotland.

“We have listened to our customers and updated our proposals based on that feedback.”

In Barrhead, the Monday to Saturday ticket office opening hours are 6.50am to 11.15pm, but these are set to change to 6.30am to 7.50pm.

The Sunday opening hours will remain 9.10am to 4.50pm.

In Neilston, the Monday to Saturday opening hours are 6.58am to 10.15 pm, but these are set to change from 6.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Thursday; from 6.45am to 7.15pm on Fridays and from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays.

The Sunday opening times in Neilston will remain 9.10am to 4.50pm.

Elsewhere in East Renfrewshire, Clarkston, Giffnock, Whitecraigs and Williamwood will also see ticket office opening hours altered.

As well as those seeing a reduction in opening hours 12 ticket offices in Scotland will see opening hours increase, while the remaining 77 will see no change.

According to ScotRail, there has been a 10 per cent drop in ticket office sales over the past ten years.

A total of 16 per cent of sales are now via ticket offices, with 90 percent coming from just 20 stations.

A total of 20 per cent come from ticket machines and 43 per cent are through the website or app.

The rail operators insists that the changes will bring a number of “benefits”, including increased staff visibility through help with ticket selling/inspection and efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.

It said there will be no job losses or redundancies as a result of these proposals.

Where ticket offices see reduced hours, staff will carry out other customer supporting duties within their existing job description, such as ticket barrier duties and revenue protection.

ScotRail also insisted that customers will receive improved support through platform Help Points, with advice available on buying tickets.

“These changes will provide a service that is better suited for today and the ticket-buying habits of our customers, as well as create an environment that improves safety and customer support,” added Phil.

To see the full list of changes click HERE.