Mayor faces grilling over Oystercard freebies

11.49.05am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Sep 2003

Why has Ken Livingstone wasted taxpayers' money by giving away Oystercards to public figures already entitled to free travel on London's public transport network, the London Assemby Liberal Democrats want to ask at tomorrow's Mayor's Question Time.

According to Liberal Democrat research the Mayor has handed out Oystercards to 279 people, giving them free travel on the tube and bus network for a month. However many of the people are already entitled to free travel on the public transport network.

Transport spokesperson Lynne Featherstone condemned the Mayor's scheme:

"This freebie, coming at a time when London's transport budget faces a £500million deficit, is yet another example of the way in which Mayor Livingstone is wasting money. Surely he can think of more efficient ways of promoting the Oystercard?"

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. 279 Oystercards have been sent out to the following people/organizations:

• London Assembly members

• Association of London Government

• Council chief executives and council leaders

• London Members of Parliament

• Rail and other transport groups

• Bus companies

• Government 'transport representatives'

2. Oystercards are electronic smartcards that are being introduced to upgrade London's tube and bus ticketing system.

3. Mayor's Question Time will take place from 10am on 17 September 2003 at City Hall.