Boris' broken promise on ticket offices will make travel less safe for Londoners - Caroline Pidgeon
2.08.00pm GMT Thu 11th Mar 2010
Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport spokesperson, commenting on London Underground's plans to reduce the opening hours of a number of tickets offices said:
"Boris Johnson was elected promising to defend ticket offices and stop any planned closures that the previous Mayor was proposing across the London Underground network. Today's announcement is a breathtaking breach of that key commitment he made to Londoners. It's a complete u-turn.
"The Mayor's proposals will inconvenience Londoners, will make many passengers feel unsafe and can only mean a reduction in the assistance available to passengers, particularly the elderly and disabled.
"We should be making our stations safer and more accessible yet the Mayor seems determined to do the very opposite. Londoners have been completely let down by the Mayor."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Mayor's transport manifesto Getting Londoners Moving stated:
"My pledges:
"By halting the proposed Tube ticket office closures, and ensuring there is always a manned ticket office at every station." (page 2)
"I will also defend local ticket offices." (page9)
The manifesto also stressed the important role played by staffed ticket offices:
"In addition, manned ticket offices provide a reassuring visible presence. They can act as a first point of call in times of emergency or help and staff can see the whole station via CCTV screens." (page 38)
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