The London Assembly today passed a motion[[1]] calling for answers from the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) about the decision to re-let the signalling contract currently operated by Bombardier on London Underground.
It was particularly interested to know how much re-letting the contract will cost and why the press release was sent out on New Year’s Eve.
Valerie Shawcross AM, who proposed the motion, said: “In the spirit of transparency, we need TfL to know that they cannot slip something past us on New Year’s Eve, without expecting the Assembly to ask for a full and frank explanation.”
The full text of the motion agreed at today’s meeting reads as follows:
“This Assembly notes the decision to re-let the signalling contract currently operated by Bombardier on London Underground.
This Assembly further notes that the press release was sent out in the afternoon of New Year’s Eve.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor to explain:
· When the decision to re-let the contract was actually made?
· Why the press release was sent out on New Year’s Eve?
· Why it has taken two and a half years to work out that Bombardier would be unable to fulfil the original contract.
· How is the timescale for the completion of the sub surface tube signal upgrade affected?
· What is the net financial impact on TfL of reletting the contract?”
Notes to editors:
1. The motion was passed unanimously at a meeting of the full Assembly today. Watch the webcast.
2. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.