James Forsyth James Forsyth

Going down the Tube again

From today’s Standard:

“Transport chiefs shut Bank’s Central line platforms for 90 minutes last night after complaints that decibel levels from screeching rails were too high.

The closure left thousands of commuters facing severe delays just after 5.30pm. They described the decision as “madness”.

Transport for London admitted the problem, caused by a lack of lubrication on the tracks, could have been prevented but could not say how loud the screeching was.

A noticeboard at the station told passengers Central line trains would not be stopping because of “technical difficulties”.

Transport sources told the Evening Standard that London Underground staff had refused to work on the platforms because of the noise but TFL claimed the closure was prompted by passenger complaints.” Considering that it employs fifteen people who earn more than the Prime Minister and 123 people who are on £100,000 or more, Transport for London is remarkably inefficent.

 

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