The mayor and TfL find reasons to be cheerful

I've just sat through an upbeat Transport for London board meeting at City Hall.

Some items of interest that probably improved the mood. Passenger numbers are up for this 4th quarter of the year compared to the 3rd.

For example, the Tube passenger numbers are up by 1.1% and bus passengers by 2%.

The cycle superhighways also look like they will be ready for the launch on the 19 July with engineering work over 70% complete.

That does leave 30% to be completed in a few weeks so we'll see....

And it looks like the East London Line Phase 2 from Surrey Quays down to Clapham Junction could be rebranded at the suggestion of the Mayor.

We might see it being called the "New South London Line." I suppose really it will be part of the orbital London Overground when it's finished.

And again more calls to make London's case to anyone in Government who will listen.

As the Mayor Boris Johnson said:

"London should not be treated the same as everywhere else. We have a long battle in persuasion but it's one we can win."

The reality, if the Department of Transport gets hit with a 25 per cent budget cut, may be somewhat different ....

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