Sadiq Khan attributes issues with the London Underground, including significant delays on the Central line, to the government
Sadiq Khan has pointed to insufficient government funding as the cause of persistent delays on one of the busiest lines of the London Underground. He apologized to passengers for the inconvenience and stated that the absence of a long-term financial agreement with the government is adversely affecting users of Transport for London (TfL). December and January saw significant delays on the Central line due to a train shortage attributed to aging train motors and a lack of necessary materials, exacerbated by supply chain issues. TfL officials have mentioned a £500 million upgrade plan for the Central line, although full upgrades won’t be completed until 2029.
In a statement to MyLondon, Khan expressed regret over the subpar service on the Central line, highlighting the line’s outdated trains and the government’s failure to provide adequate capital support to TfL. He compared TfL’s situation unfavorably with other national transport authorities, which receive full government support and multi-year funding agreements.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, emphasized the urgency of addressing the mechanical failures and the learning process involved in each repair. Despite the challenges, TfL is committed to resolving the issues.
The Department for Transport (DfT) responded by highlighting the over £6.6 billion support provided to TfL since 2020, including a recent £250 million capital funding. They stressed that transport decisions in the capital are the mayor’s responsibility.
Keith Prince, the City Hall Conservatives transport spokesperson, criticized Khan for mismanaging the Central Line and prioritizing election strategies over necessary investments in the Tube network.