Laura condemns tube delays (Islington Liberal Democrats)

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

Laura condemns tube delays

December 14, 2004 11:48 AM

Hundreds of Islington residents who use the Northern Line were told today that the delays could last for the rest of the week.

Because of faulty radios two staff have to ride in each cab leaving the Northern Line Short-Staffed and cutting the service by 40 per cent.

The usual service was replaced by shuttles on Wednesday, meaning long delays for commuters, many of whom face having to use other routes.

Councillor Laura Willoughby executive member for Communities said:

"The lack of planning in London Underground means that old equipment is not being replaced and then the service is taken by surprise when it is finally broken down. This leaves commuters high and dry and is totally out of order. London underground should do a full assessment of the life span of all equipment and be clear when it will be upgraded and have contingency plans for breakdown.

"it is not good enough to leave private-sector companies responsible for maintenance of the network to decide where the investment should go - when these things break-down they cost time and put people's lives at risk as well as being incredibly frustrating for passengers. The private-sector companies should think more about large up-front investment in the underground now that will lead to a better and more stable service rather than their short-term share prices."

The move follows mounting anger from with London Underground over the delays to service when the tracks and signals, for which the maintenance companies are responsible, break down.