Another welcome U-Turn?
Is Boris making a habit of these? Perhaps, if this snippet on Dave Hill’s blog is anything to go by:
Following last Sunday’s announcement of the end of the Chavez oil deal I asked the mayor’s office to confirm that no new system of discounts for income support claimants would be brought in to replace the old one, as seemed to be the case. I was provided with the following statement:
“The Mayor is absolutely committed to ensuring the capital’s transport network is accessible for every Londoner, as well as making it safer and more convenient. And Transport for London will honour the current discount scheme for Londoners on income support for its full duration. However the Mayor feels deeply uncomfortable about buses in London being funded by the citizens of another country, especially one where many people live in extreme poverty. His first priority is the citizens of London and making sure transport is affordable for everyone. But he has asked officials from Transport for London to consider whether there may be alternative ways of providing this support.” [my emphasis]
Oversight or climbdown? Discuss.
I can’t help but think it’s a very weak concession. The only firm commitment is to maintaining the cheap fares until the contract runs out in August - one already in place.
Boris hasn’t said that he’ll actively seek a replacement for the fare subsidies - only “consider” whether even that would be justified. Presumably, at least until press attention begins to disappate a little…
I’d welcome any plan to maintain the subsidies, gladly. But I’ll believe it when I see it…
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