Boris Watch

Quick summary of matters arising on the 16th July of transport interest:

1) Oyster PAYG (link):

Regarding the National Rail network in London, I am hopeful that Oyster pay as you go will be able to be used on the railway south of the river from Summer 2009. [Hopeful?  What about your wonderful summit, or the fact that the DfT already wrote smartcard ticketing in 2009 into the franchises?]

2) ELLX Phase 2 (link link link)

I am continuing to discuss funding of the East London Line extension phase 2 to Clapham Junction with the DfT. I am hopeful that a positive conclusion to the negotiations can be reached soon. [He's had one meeting with Ruth Kelly, apparently.  This still not being settled is continuing bad news - he gave much the same answer last month]

3) Greenwich Waterfront Transit (link)

Public consultation on the design of the funded route from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood ended in January 2008 and the detailed design is due to be completed this Autumn. Subject to planning approval and land acquisition, construction is expected to begin in late 2009. [Surprisingly positive]

4) Overground on South Central (link)

TfL has been working with the DfT for some time on the specification of the new south central franchise. I am pleased that the DfT has agreed to include many of the higher Overground passenger standards in the new south central franchise starting next year. [that's a no to Overground extensions beyond ELLX, I think, despite its undoubted success]

5) Oops

Q (Caroline Pidgeon): At your recent meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport (Ruth Kelly), which of the major transport projects currently under consideration by TfL did she indicate she would not fund?

A: Answer not yet available.

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