Record Tube usage shouldn't mean record closures and delays

Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on figures released today by Transport for London showing that Friday 4th December 2015 was the busiest day ever on the London Underground, said:

“The increasing use of the Tube is a clear sign of London’s growth in both its population and popularity as a place to visit. In many respects it is something to celebrate.

“However we cannot hide away from the fact that delays on the London Underground caused by overcrowding are increasing.

“And despite TfL’s continual boasting about certain figures it is incredible that they choose to not even record how often Tube stations are temporarily closed due to overcrowding.

“TfL should face up to this issue by firstly publishing accurate statistics about station closures, secondly ensuring Tube upgrades continue to take place and finally taking steps to manage demand, such as through lower ‘early bird’ fares to encourage demand on the Tube to be better spread over the day.

“Record usage on the Tube does not have to go hand in hand with record closures and delays due to overcrowding.”