The deputy mayor of London for transport, Seb Dance, has said that there has been “a frustrating lack of progress with the Government in agreeing a long-term funding deal.”
His remarks come the week before TfL’s latest short-term funding arrangement runs out.
“Without a long-term deal, we’ll be forced by the Government to enact major cuts to bus and Tube services which would be disastrous for our capital’s economic recovery,” he said.
He added he had been buoyed by suppliers after holding a meeting with them. “I’m pleased that TfL’s suppliers share our concerns and will be making representations to the government on the importance of investment in London for the whole UK economy,” he said.
“Without a long-term deal, we’ll be forced by the government to enact major cuts to bus and Tube services which would be disastrous for our capital’s economic recovery.”
Following this, in Parliament, secretary of state for transport Grant Shapps said the government “provided £5 billion to Transport for London, and we have not seen the required level of savings. TfL is behind on providing those savings.”
He also vented some frustration at RMT strike action, saying: “There has to be a fair balance between taxpayers nationwide and what happens in London, but that has not stopped the RMT striking in London, which will stop Londoners getting to work. We are locked into an atmosphere in which, before the RMT even talks, negotiates or listens to an offer, it goes for a strike ballot.”
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