The London Assembly Transport Committee today launches an investigation into how the Tube is performing, looking line by line at what the upgrade programme has delivered, compared to what it promised.
The Tube is now busier than ever in its history, but the timetable for the upgrade programme - which is has a target of a 30 per cent increase in overall capacity by 2020 - has slipped, particularly on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.
This slippage has caused months – or in some cases years – of passenger disruption as Tube lines have suffered from extensive planned closures. Jubilee line passengers have borne the brunt of the disruption, with stations on the line shut on more than 100 weekends in the last four years for the upgrades to signalling.
Launching the investigation today, Chair of the Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon AM, said:
“Londoners have been told for years that all the closures, disruption and billions of pounds spent will be worth it in the end. The question is, when will passengers start to see noticeable improvements to their journeys?
“With passenger numbers at record levels and several line upgrades behind schedule it’s time for an in-depth look at the service Londoners get, the improvements we’ve seen so far, and ways to get the upgrades back on track.”
The investigation will consider if there are lessons to be learned from upgrade programmes on underground systems in other cities around the world. Two public hearings will be held on 17 May and 14 June 2011 to gather views and information. The Committee will then report to TfL and the Mayor on its findings and recommendations.
You can read more about the investigation here on the BBC website.