LONDON TUBE STATION & DLR IMPROVEMENTS DELAYED BY UP TO TWO YEARS - FEATHERSTONE

12.01.00am GMT Fri 12th Nov 2004

New information revealed by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats today shows that numerous Tube station improvements and Dockland Light Railway railcar refurbishments across the capital are being delayed or scaled back.

The information, revealed in papers that are to be discussed by the Transport for London Finance Committee later today (Friday) shows that:

· Nine Tube station refurbishments have been delayed between one month and 2 years

· Kings Cross Redevelopment work is a year behind schedule and will not be completed until after the Eurostar terminal is finished

· There is a 45% cut in the number of DLR trains being refurbished this year

· Greenwich Waterfront Transit will be delayed by at least 9 months

· Acton Town Tube redevelopment on hold awaiting renegotiation

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson and Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"With the Mayor increasing fares above the rate of inflation, people should rightly expect run down Tube Stations to be spruced up in the timescale they were promised.

"Investment in our crumbling transport infrastructure is welcome, but unless transport users start to see real improvements in the quality of the services, then they will begin to question why they are paying increased fares.

"It is vital that Transport for London ensures that as much as possible is done so that redevelopment and refurbishment work is done in time and on budget."

ENDS

Notes to editor

The information is taken from Transport For London, Finance Committee AGENDA ITEM 7a that will be discussed on Friday 12th November 2004 at 10.00 in the Boardroom, 14th Floor, Windsor House, 42-50 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL

Abstracts in quotes are taken from the Board Papers:-

· Camden Town redevelopment delayed by at least 3 months:-

"The Camden Town Congestion Relief Scheme Transport & Work Act public inquiry was completed in June 2004. The Inspector is considering planning for both the planning application due to the local authorities' recommendation for refusal with reference to the overstation development design, and the element under the Transport and Works Act. A Ministerial decision is still expected in Spring 2005."

· Covent Garden Tube station upgrade delayed by 2 years:-

"There has been significant slippage from March 2005 to early 2007 on the Covent Garden scheme to reconfigure the ticket hall and provide additional gate line capacity, associated with the need to obtain vacant possession of a tenancy, which is now expected to entail court proceedings. "

· Kings Cross Phase 1 upgrade delayed by a year:-

"Work has centred on continuing construction activities for Phase I works, and reviewing the impacts (physical, financial and contractual) of the deferral of Phase II. Phase 1 is currently forecast for completion on 18 September 2006, a year beyond target."

· Kings Cross Phase II delayed indefinitely, but even if work restarts and is completed it will be a year behind schedule and will not be built in time for Eurostar completion:-

"Government Ministers have ordered a review of Phase II of the project as a result of 2004/05 budget constraints and the latest out-turn forecast exceeding the overall budget. Should Phase II be re-started in 2005, completion could be achieved by mid 2008."

· 7 Tube stations refurbishments delayed between 1 and 4 months because of PPP:-

"Modernisation/refurbishment of Tufnell Park, Burnt Oak, Northfields and South Harrow stations are delayed by 2-4 months from January 2005. These were amongst the first projects to be started under the PPP and this led to prolonged discussions on scope and difficulties with assurance requirements."

And

"Completion of refurbishments at Dagenham Heathway, Turnham Green and North Harrow stations is delayed by between 1 and 4 months."

· Acton Town Tube refurbishment renegotiated, and delayed :-

"The completion date for Acton Town station refurbishment is being renegotiated."

· Delays in DLR railcar refurbishment. 45% cut in the number completed by the end of the year

"The latest forecast now anticipates 29 vehicles (as opposed to the original budget of 52) will be completed by the end of the year."

· Greenwich Waterfront Transit delayed by 9 months:-

"The programme has been delayed by results of the public consultation and rejection by LB Greenwich. Further consultation and safeguarding will add 9 months to the programme"