On Wed, 25 Oct 2006 20:40:20 +0100, Dave Arquati
wrote:

Mizter T wrote:

I guess TfL might well want to get their feet under the table and take
control of the North London Railway before they start pestering central
government (i.e. the DfT) for more money for extra trains/ extra
carriages. My impression is that TfL/ the Mayor is fairly astute in
knowing how to get the best deal out of the government by pressing the
right buttons at the right times, and perhaps it's not quite the right
time to deal with this one yet.

I think we can take it as read that the Mayor is acutely aware of his
value to the Labour Party in electoral terms. I'm sure the Labour Party
is equally aware of his "value" to them too - in both negative and
positive senses.

I'd agree with you on TfL wanting to get their foot in the door first on
the NLR. I think politically, the NLR is much more important than some
people realise - a *lot* of work is being done to ensure that there will
be a noticeable difference from the first day TfL take over - even
extending *outside* the stations to TfL-funded improvements to local
streets. A positive reaction from the public and the media on TfL's
takeover will strengthen the Mayor's position on direction of other
suburban rail services, and the Mayor would certainly use this reaction
to pressure the government for more money.

Colour me not surprised to hear any of the above. I have to say I am
very interested to know what is really going on in terms of preparing
for the takeover. It's a huge job with a massive profile / potential
downside for failure so I imagine people are very, very busy indeed. I
suppose I'm mildly disappointed not be involved [1] but then I missed
the job opportunities so I can't complain.

TfL is trying to cement the notion that it is able to deliver (by such
things as getting a good credit rating, making robust budgets,
delivering congestion charging and showing good value-for-money on for
bus improvements) which it is adding to the Mayor-led argument for
stronger investment in London. The essence of it is "London will
generate £X return if you give us £x - and we are able to deliver that
return."

I think one very important link here is that delivery by TfL to time and
budget is absolutely key to the success of prudential borrowing, the
credit rating and any future financing costs. There is an enormous
amount of prestige / credibility for TfL as an organisation as well as
around the concept of such additional borrowing that TfL cannot fail to
deliver. The risks are too high - and that's before we get to the
political risks for the Mayor and the Government.

[1] I'd love to be getting my head round some of the ticketing type
issues.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!