No hiding place for Labour if Tube does not improve

12.00.00am GMT Fri 3rd Jan 2003

Commenting on the announcement that the private sector consortium Tube Lines has taken over maintenance of London Underground's Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, Lynne Featherstone, London Assembly Lib Dem transport spokesperson said:

"The news comes on the same day that Brian Staples resigns as Chief Executive of one of Tube Lines key players, Amey. Mr Staples has presided over a dramatic nose-dive in Amey's shares."

"We have to ask if the rush to close this PPP deal was a move to provide a life-raft for Amey shareholders.

"The Government claims that Tube Lines will spend £1.6 million a day and that the first improvements will be a reduction in delays – with cleaner trains and stations."

"If this is true, by the end of June they will have spent £289 million on the Tube. Liberal Democrats – and Londoners – will be watching to see whether travelling on the Tube is any less of a hassle.

"We're promised that speed restrictions and signalling pinch points will be addressed immediately, and that 'from day one of the contract' trains will be cleaned each time they reach the end of the line."

"Seeing is believing. After flying in the face of London opinion over PPP for the Tube, Labour will have nowhere to hide if the goods are not delivered."