Caroline's news

Caroline spent an afternoon out with Charles Horton from Southeastern train operating company, and Graham, a train driver trainer, to discuss issues to do with Southeastern trains and to experience life in the driver’s cab.

“It was very interesting to see first hand some of the challenges drivers face negotiating in and out of stations such as London Bridge and Victoria. Drivers receive detailed training over many months and are always alert to potential hazards on the tracks”.

“I also discussed with Mr Horton issues from ticketing at stations to improved relations with passengers and of course the Olympic timetable” commented Caroline.

After pressing Thames Water to pay compensation for the extreme transport disruption caused by a burst pipe on 1st August, Caroline Pidgeon commented:

Thames Water should stop playing legal games and accept that they were responsible for the havoc faced by thousands of passengers.

After her question to Boris Johnson revealed that TfL has had nearly £300,000 worth of metal stolen in the last three years, Caroline Pidgeon told the Evening Standard:

The increasing amount of metal theft from TfL property is a bill Londoners can least afford. This theft is also inconveniencing bus users and potentially creating safety risks on the tube.

This is far from a victimless crime and it must be tackled.

Speaking to the Evening Standard about the Mayor's plans for fare evasion fines to rise to £80, Caroline Pidgeon backed the plans but commented:

Boris Johnson promised Londoners that he would cut fare fraud, especially on buses.

Sadly, after being Mayor of London for more than three years it is crystal clear that he has totally failed to tackle this issue.

The fact that fare evasion, especially on buses, increased last year under Boris Johnson is shameful.

New evidence has come to light of Greenwich Council’s appalling record in communicating with the 1.5 million people who have used Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels every year.

After extended delays in re-opening both the tunnels, along with repeated incidents of inaccurate information being provided, Greenwich Council is now claiming via their website that Woolwich Foot Tunnel will finally re-open to the public by the end of this month. However, at the same time, at the entrance to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel there are public signs saying the foot tunnel will only re-open in Spring 2012.