Transport chief warns against cutting TfL's budget

Date: 11/6/2013

London Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy has warned that cutting (TfL) Transport for London's budget would compromise planned and existing improvement projects on the capital's Tube network, the Financial Times reports.

According to Sir Hendy, upgrades on the Piccadilly, Central and Bakerloo lines may have to be axed if money to pay for the work is not made available.

"Cuts to capital investment in London's transport network could put at risk our ability to cope with booming population growth and London's position as the productive heart of the UK economy," he explained.

Business groups have also spoken of the potentially damaging consequences that could follow if the Government decides to reduce the amount it invests in the capital's transport network, emphasising how important infrastructure is to economic growth.

"The kind of cuts proposed would be catastrophic for London. Transport is one of the key elements of the city's economy," said Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

While the (DfT) Department for Transport says that no definitive decisions have been made on the future of funding for TfL, fears clearly remain that cuts will mean existing services will not be capable of supporting the population growth that London is forecast to witness in the coming years.

Indeed, if improvement works are delayed as a result of reduced investment, by 2030 commuters and visitors to London could be travelling on trains that are 50 years old, while a number of lines will be significantly outdated.

What's more, current plans to tackle congestion and improve cycling in the capital could also be compromised if funding is not available to pay for their development.

However, the DfT said: "Government recognises the need to invest in London's transport infrastructure to support economic growth - that's why TfL will receive more than £10 billion of government funding during this parliament."

Posted by Mary Treen

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