TfL projects at risk due to Metronet fiasco - Pope

1.25.00pm GMT Thu 14th Feb 2008

Speaking after a London Assembly Transport Committee hearing at which London Underground boss Tim O'Toole gave evidence about the Metronet collapse, Geoff Pope, Liberal Democrat Vice-chair said:

"All Transport for London's projects are at risk because of the Metronet fiasco. Tim O'Toole was clear that no-one can estimate what the costs will be to Londoners at this stage.

"Trans4M terminated their contract and walked away, small firms refused to do further work and key executives have left. TfL have months ahead of wrestling with contracts. Just writing the PPP contracts cost the taxpayer £500 million.

"London Underground don't have the capacity to deliver the big projects. We urgently need new deals with the same team upgrading the network and running the trains. We've got to end the 'blame game' which is wasting time and money."

ENDS