(No) Confirmation
Darren Johnson asked:
In the light of growing economic difficulties for many Londoners, will you consider indefinitely continuing the provision of half-price bus travel for those on income support?
Boris Johnson replied:
Many Londoners face growing economic difficulties at the moment, but I believe this can best be addressed by keeping the overall level of bus fares as low as possible. I do not believe that an extension of the Venezuela funded scheme can be justified. As I have already said, I think many Londoners felt uncomfortable about the bus operation of one of the world’s financial powerhouses being funded by the people of a country where many people live 10 in extreme poverty. I simply think there are better ways of benefiting Londoners and better ways of benefiting Venezuelans.
So, Boris will cut the Venezuala oil deal - and isn’t looking for an an alternative source of funding for subsidies. And this in a time of “economic difficulties” for Londoners. Need I say more?
EDIT: Yes, apparently. Dave Hill points out that Boris says in a subsequent answer “I have therefore asked TfL to investigate more suitable forms of fares concession for low income Londoners for consideration at the next fares revision.” So he’s scrapping the concessions, but only until the next fares revision?
That’s in January. I’d welcome a return of the subsidy - but what about the people who have to cope in the 5 month gap between their subsidies ending and (possibly) reappearing? It’s not as if they’ve copious (any) saving to cover the increased costs.
And I do worry - what does BoJo consider “suitable?”
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