'Failures with the Tube's radio system must not become the norm' - Caroline Pidgeon AM

10.02.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Oct 2008

Commenting on the news that Connect, London Underground's £2 billion digital radio system, has had over 100 faults reported in the last two months causing at least three major closures, Caroline Pidgeon AM, the Liberal Democrat's transport spokesperson at the London Assembly, says: "Whilst teething problems may be expected on new systems like this TfL and Mayor Johnson must do all they can to ensure public safety.

"The new radio system is a brilliant idea - linking up every train, station and staff member - but if it's failing like this then the whole point of it is lost.

"The safety and well-being of Londoners, not to mention the efficiency of the service, must be maintained."

A recent investigation has uncovered that failures with the Connect radio system have caused London's busiest tube lines to be closed on at least three occasions. Train drivers are also said to be unhappy with the reliability of the system and also have safety concerns.

London Underground says the majority of faults reported have no effect on tube services and that safety measures have already put in place. LU also stressed failures on the Connect system would not effect the workings of the new Airwave emergency service radios system.

Caroline says: "I'm pleased to hear London Underground and TfL are investigating these recent failings and have put safety measures in place but I'll be keeping up the pressure on the Mayor and TfL to ensure these breakdowns do not become the norm.

"It's vital that London's passengers feel safe and indeed are safe and have faith in the technological systems which are supposed to make their journeys safer and more straightforward.

"Mayor Johnson and TfL must work together to ensure they have confidence in the safety systems which have been put in place."