Anger at plans to reduce opening hours in Arsenal Tube station
Published: 26 March, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
A MAJOR row has erupted over plans by London Underground to reduce the hours staff work in the ticket office at Arsenal Tube station.
Commuters fear that under a London-wide scheme to axe 800 jobs and save £16million, there will be long periods when stations like Arsenal will be unmanned. London Underground maintains that while the ticket offices will remain closed for longer periods, the station will continue to be fully staffed.
TfL say the proposals reflect the “huge” success of the Oyster card, which now accounts for around 80 per cent of Tube journeys.
Registered blind law lecturer Rob Murthwaite was among commuters this week appalled at the move.
“I require assistance when I come to this station,” he said. “I need to be met with my Guide Dog at King’s Cross.” A campaign against the moves has been launched by Highbury West Green councillor Katie Dawson.
A TfL spokesperson said they have assured staff and customers that stations will continue to be staffed at all times while trains are operating, and that all stations with a ticket office will continue to have one.