LT's way to chaos?
Page 27
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
LONDON TRANSPORT faces its most severe crisis since the last war. This claim was made at a special Greater London Council meeting last week by Ken Livingstone, Opposition spokesman on planning and communications. MIKE RUTHERFORD reports.
A confidential memorandum, sent to GLC leader Sir Horace Cutler and prepared by the LT executive, was leaked on the same day as the meeting and forecast a deficit of £154m by the end of 1981.
Mr Livingstone said the bankruptcy of LT this year is imminent unless the Conservatives change their policies., "There is no way London can survive without an efficient, relatively cheap transport service. It is already 6.5m passengers light before fare increases."
Only planning and communications committee leader Alan Greengross offered resistance to the minority party's 'verbal onslaught. He said we must find out why bus costs per mile in London are up to 50 per cent higher than in some other parts of the country.
On Labour's proposals for "so called free fares" Mr Greengross said we get "nothing for nothing".
Labour's John Wilson spoke on conditions for LT staff and said that for three years they have been "demoralised".