LT acts to beat
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the bus shortage
ACTION has been taken by London Transport to ease the effects of vehicle and staff shortages which have brought bus services in the capital to a crisis situation.
This week it announced service cancellations affecting more than 100 routes and the increased use, where possible, of hire vehicles. In addition some duties are being switched from garages with high vehicle or staff shortages to others where the position is easier.
LT blames the vehicle shortages on a shortfall of units and spare parts which, though easing, has left a considerable backlog to be overtaken. Late delivery of new buses and the failure of some new ones early in their life is also cited as a cause of the problems.
Cancellations will affect Monday-to-Friday journeys on a number of routes. An LT spokesman warned that additional cancellations were also likely from time to time. Warning notices—in the form of stickers on affected bus stops —will be used to notify intending passengers.
Ten double-deckers—from Southend Corporation — are already on hire and LT is trying to obtain more though it concedes that "it is doubtful whether many will be available." The 10 vehicles, manned by LT crews, have taken over a complete route, allowing Routemasters to be used elsewhere.