TravelWatch may be down but it's not out yet

I've had lots of responses to the last blog I did on the silent demise of London TravelWatch.

A few bloggers rightly brought up the fact that they had highlighted this story before. It has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.

I am, however, reliably informed that TravelWatch's death may be much exaggerated, and there are many that believe killing it off is actually going to take some doing.

It seems because a transport users forum has been around in the capital in some shape or form then it is tangled up in all kinds of primary legislation.

That means to kill London TravelWatch would need an Act of Parliament.

It's not on the Localism Bill and those who want to get rid of it will have to find another Act to get TravelWatch abolished.

And that may take some time with the Government's priorities elsewhere.

That doesn't mean to say London TravelWatch isn't under extreme pressure from its paymasters, the London Assembly.

They still want significant reductions in its budget. That makes the job of investigating complaints more difficult and commuters in the capital are seeing their independent voice reduced.

Do they care enough to stop that?

Also, the Mayor today sent this letter out to commuters on TfL's mailing list.

I was delighted to open London's latest transport improvement on Monday with the extension of the East London line to Highbury & Islington.

This is just one element of a huge upgrade of London's transport network, particularly on the Tube.

The Tube is carrying more passengers than ever - well over 1 billion a year - and we have a comprehensive plan to upgrade it.

There remains much work to do, but real improvements are being delivered: new, spacious trains on the Victoria line; air-conditioned trains on the Metropolitan line; and, this Spring, completion of the Jubilee line upgrade, bringing faster, more reliable journeys across the capital.

I completely understand the frustration caused when we have to close certain lines to complete the work. That's why we are keeping closures to a minimum and redoubling our efforts to keep passengers informed. Check out our plan and what's happening at your station or on your line at tfl.gov.uk

Your Tube service will soon celebrate its 150th birthday. Our vital investment and upgrade will keep London moving for many more decades to come.

Follow me on Twitter: @TomSEdwards

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