2000-05-25 Rail industry can deliver but more investment needed (ATOC)

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date 20 July 2000
source Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
type Press release

note News Release 485

A massive £25 billion boost for London's transport network was announced today in plans. This excludes any subsidy required for the Underground PPP. But it does include other funding for the Underground for the Jubilee Line Extension and a small amount for improvements to the Underground on top of those likely to be delivered by the PPP. Over the three years, the amount available, excluding all funding for the Underground, will be slightly more than £3 billion.

Over the ten years, total public expenditure and private investment will be £25 billion, with any revenue from congestion charging being additional. Londoners will also benefit from improvements to the national railways in London.

Minister for London Keith Hill said:

"Transport 2010 will give London's public transport system a serious cash injection. It will provide the Mayor with the resources he needs to deliver real improvements. This plan proves the Government is committed to giving Londoners the world-class services they deserve.

"The Mayor has publicly called for £3 billion over three years. We are giving him even more - £3.2 billion. This money will enable him, in the first year, to get to work on:
• Improving bus services
• Promoting local transport initiatives, like the London Cycle Network
• Eliminating the road maintenance backlog
• Delivering better transport interchanges and extending smartcard ticketing
• The DLR extension to City Airport (subject to statutory procedures)
• Preparing for light rail schemes

"If the Mayor decides it is a priority, the money could permit him to implement plans for a fares freeze and the introduction of bus conductors.

"The Government has provided the resources - now it's up to the Mayor to come up with the transport strategy."
In the longer term, under the Plan the capital would see benefits such as:

• An East-West rail link, such as Crossrail
• Thameslink 2000
• The East London Line Extensions
• New East Thames crossings for road and rail

The Plan also provides for spending on the introduction of congestion charging, the World Squares for All project, a range of town centre improvements, traffic management, and schemes which will make the capital a better place in which to live and work. The other key element is to improve the capacity, reliability and quality of service on the London Underground.

The GLA Transport Grant will be determined annually following consultation with the Mayor.


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Railhub Archive ::: 2000-07-20 DET-001