Promises, promises...
The big talking point in London right now is the coming above-inflation rise in bus and tube tickets announced by Mayor Livingstone. London already has the highest public transport fares in the known universe, and, in the recent mayoral elections, Livingstone had promised not to raise them above inflation - at at time when he must have known that he would have to.
Nevertheless, believe it or not, this is an improvement. City government for London has only recently been restored, after having been abolished by Meg Thug out of mere spite; and for a long time, transport was high-priced without being in any way efficient or showing any signs of improvement. Mr.Livingstone, although his powers are limited, has certainly made a difference; bus transports, in particular, are noticeably improved, and his reason to impose these raises is to finance a program of tram building and bus expansion. We are being squeezed, but at least it is for a purpose; under the Thugcherites, we were merely squeezed.
Nevertheless, believe it or not, this is an improvement. City government for London has only recently been restored, after having been abolished by Meg Thug out of mere spite; and for a long time, transport was high-priced without being in any way efficient or showing any signs of improvement. Mr.Livingstone, although his powers are limited, has certainly made a difference; bus transports, in particular, are noticeably improved, and his reason to impose these raises is to finance a program of tram building and bus expansion. We are being squeezed, but at least it is for a purpose; under the Thugcherites, we were merely squeezed.