The Mayor of London has stood by his decision to cut in half the zero emission RV1 bus service, although after questioning by Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon he has admitted that the lack of advanced information given to passengers and local residents before the reduced service started was unacceptable.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's decision on the Silvertown Tunnel planning application, said:
"This is an appalling decision for Londoners. However permission to build Silvertown is not an obligation on the Mayor of London to go ahead with this expensive project.
"The Mayor, the new Deputy Mayor for Transport and TfL need to think again.
Londoners and visitors are facing heavy travel disruption on the city's biggest weekend of the year - due to engineering work on the Tube and Overground, as well as the rail strike.
Caroline Pidgeon criticised the Mayor and Transport for London for the poor timing, and urged them to rethink:
“The weekend of 19 and 20 May will be a very special weekend for the capital, with a London team in the FA Cup Final and many people coming to London to take part in events across the capital celebrating the royal wedding.
The Mayor has refused to reverse the cuts to the RV1 bus service, which have left users with just three buses per hour - despite having spent £1 million on two new hydrogen-powered buses for the route just weeks before!
Caroline Pidgeon expressed the disappointment and frustration of local passengers:
"I welcome TfL at least admitting that it was unacceptable to suddenly cut in half the frequency of the RV1 without giving advance notice to customers and stakeholders.
Liberal Democrat Londonwide Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon, after the continued failure of the leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council to answer her questions about how long Hammersmith Bridge will be closed for, said:
“No one underestimates the challenges of finally repairing and strengthening this historic bridge.
“However just because the issue is challenging is no excuse for not being open with the public.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the announcement that Elizabeth Line pay as you go fares in central London will be the same as the equivalent Tube fares, said:
"While today’s announcement is merely a confirmation of very long standing pledges made on fares for this line it is nonetheless a powerful reminder of the benefits of train services being run by Transport for London.
Transport for London have announced they will now consider building a station at Bricklayers' Arms, as part of the project to extend the Bakerloo Line. While other stations, such as between New Cross Gate and Lewisham, were definitely ruled out, Bricklayers' Arms was explicitly highlighted as a seriously considered option.
Caroline explains why she's raised a motion in the London Assembly to take a step in cleaning up London's air by ensuring drivers know not to let their engines idle when they stop.
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the top lawyer at Transport for London, describing her growing concerns at the lack of openness in the design and procurement process, and asking him to investigate.
Specifically, Caroline raised the issues that:
Following criticism from Caroline Pidgeon and many South Bank residents and businesses, the Mayor has agreed to a review in the summer of the cuts that reduced the RV1 bus route to just three buses an hour.
Caroline joined local campaigners to present a petition at City Hall calling for the cuts to be reversed.
Caroline said: