Metroline told to buck up ideas by GLA Lib Dems (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Metroline told to buck up ideas by GLA Lib Dems

August 28, 2002 12:00 AM

The Liberal Democrat Transport team at the GLA has held meetings with Keith Moffatt, Managing Director of Metroline plc, one of London's leading bus operators to deal with problems with the Monnery Road bus garage in Junction Ward and the poor performance on the number 10 bus to Archway. This was followed up by a 'summit' with Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and Peter Hendy, head of TfL's London Buses to ensure that the problems are receiving the highest level of attention. Lib Dems raised the ongoing complaints of residents close to the huge Holloway bus garage. They plan a survey of every individual household neighbouring the garage to show Metroline the strength of feeling and that they cannot afford to continue ignoring local residents. Proposed plans to extend the garage have also caused outrage - especially after Ken Livingstone hinted that it was not working to capacity at present. Also at issue was the deteriorating performance of the no 10 bus route from Hammersmith to Archway, particularly in the section between King's Cross and Archway. Lib Dem research recorded waits of up to 22 and 24 minutes at rush hour during two different surveys. Passengers complain of careless driving and uncooperative staff. Junction Ward Councillor, Stefan Kaspryzk said: "The meetings have been generally positive, and we are all looking for ways to improve things. But the bottom line is: they have to become better neighbours. We are concerned if Ken is suggesting the garage is not working to capacity - if it is not full why do they park buses outside and why are they trying to buy further land for development in the area."