The tube needs constant investment: report

Date: 27/10/2009

Constant improvement to engineering schedules and infrastructure is needed in the London Tube to prevent "cattle-class" conditions, warns a report by London First.

The business group's report claims a general lack of investment would create travel conditions that would stifle travellers in excess heat and complete conjestion.

Tube modernisation started six years back according to London First chief executive Baroness Jo Valentine, and the project must not lose steam or else sentence the "iconic symbol of bustling London" to decades of "Underground misery".

London Mayor Boris Johnson joined London First to announce the organisation's report findings and agreed the report set out a graphic, though grim future of London without Tube investment.

Mr Johnson asserts the fare packages, mulit-billion pound investments into new rail travel like the Crossrail and infrastructure improvements, and efficiencies in Transport for London will ensure a future free of "sardine-tin" travel.

The new Crossrail is expected to cost some £16 billion and is slated to connect one end of London to the other.

London First's report projects the improvements would ultimately pay for themselves in fares and usage under the current improvement scheme.