New approach to upgrading the tube now needed - Caroline Pidgeon

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Jun 2009

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, commenting on today's reports of cuts in spending on upgrading tube lines said:

"This announcement is just a further argument to now bite the bullet and seriously look at new ways of upgrading the tube.

"We need to ensure tube upgrades are completed rapidly, but at far less cost. The continual closure of small sections of a tube line could deliver change in weeks as opposed to months.

"This new approach would also allow for far more work to be completed, including step free access at tube stations, which are now being dropped by the Mayor.

"At present Londoners face months and months of disruption while at great cost little work is actually completed during each weekend and evening closure of a line. There must be a better way forward to deliver the much needed upgrades to the tube."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. A new approach to upgrading the London Underground was raised by Caroline Pidgeon at today's Mayor Question Time at City Hall.

2. During any period of complete closure of a tube line it would be necessary for alternative bus services to be provided to cover the section closed.