TUBE AND TfL union RMT today released new information which exposes the full extent of the first wave of cuts under Boris Johnson’s £5 billion tube savings programme with 144 station ticket offices and 1200 jobs under threat of the axe.

In the first phase of LUL’s “Operational Services Review” – management code for the cuts machinery – savage reductions are being proposed across the tube network. Only main terminals will retain a full ticket office function, smaller central stations will have ticket offices open at peak times with the remainder – 144 stations – reduced to ticket machines only.

Station staff numbers will be reduced by up to 1200 with RMT warning that safety and security of the travelling public will be seriously compromised as LU drive towards unmanned operation of stations. An interim report on the planned cuts is expected before Christmas with implementation by April 2010.

In his 2008 manifesto, London Mayor Boris Johnson, who also Chair’s TfL, said that he would make transport more convenient; “By halting the proposed ticket office closures, and ensuring there is always a manned ticket office at every station.”

Boris Johnson was also photographed during the 2008 campaign at a protest against ticket office closures in Harrow and signed the petition organised by Passengers United Against Ticket Office Closures.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said today:

“The savage cuts to jobs and ticket offices exposed by RMT today show that all the pledges about services to passengers being protected from the £5 billion cuts programme are worthless.

“Boris Johnson, the Chair of TfL, was elected by Londoners on an explicit manifesto pledge to ensure a manned ticket office at every station. RMT challenges the Mayor to stick by that pledge and demand the binning of this cuts plan or stand exposed as a hypocrite who rips up key manifesto commitments to the voters who put him into office.

“The job cuts planned for underground stations would leave passengers dangerously exposed in the event of an emergency and would ratchet up the dangers for the public, particularly women, travelling late at night. It is clear from these plans that LU bosses are pushing towards unmanned operation of stations regardless of the risks.

“RMT will mobilise a campaign to stop these cuts and this union will take whatever action is required to defend our members jobs and a safe and efficient service for the travelling public. The pressure is now on Boris Johnson to stick to his word and ensure that this plan is ditched.”