Metropolitan Line
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I received a representation from two resident associations who came to tell me that the disruptions on the Metropolitan line were now intolerable; particularly at weekends. They argued that the suburbs felt cut off from Central London at weekends, particularly as there are fewer alternative transport options. The proposed new trains have fewer seats than the old ones; and won't help reliability until new signalling is in place.
So I used a meeting with the Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy, head of TfL, and the CEO of London Underground to leave them in no doubt about the frustration being felt. And to ask them to answer two questions.
When will we get the new signalling?
And when will the weekend disruptions stop?
They hope to be placing the contract for signalling this autumn but it depends on the budget being reconfirmed. The weekend closures will not improve next year but will tail off or so they claim.
I will be keeping the pressure up by writing to Boris Johnson to make sure he understands the frustration. And I will be contacting all the MPs with Metropolitan line stations to ask them to join the lobby for more urgent action. I need the voice of commuters to be heard; so have set up a simple on line survey to ask people their view.
Many residents rely on the Metropolitan line. They know the investment is necessary and takes time. But the current situation is intolerable . So we need the engineers to get a grip and tell us when we will have a line that is fit for purpose.
