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Angie Bray, time to kick Boris into action

That's it. After listening to Boris for the umpteenth time and seeing that his breath of fresh air Mayoralty is becoming little more than hot air, it really is time for his talismen to kick him and get serious about sorting some of the things that need to be addressed as per his rhetoric of his Mayoral campaign.On top of that I read an emaill from Angie Bray which addresses the problems of Ealing's transport.It is all long term wish list stuff.What is needed is action on just why so much of the local infrastructure is failing when it need not.Boris, Angie and co. need to start banging heads together at the main culprit -TfL.Why for example, has TfL been ineffectual at coordinating the road works that has plagued the 65 route between Ealing and Kingston for over 16 months? One act by a Hounslow council officer managed to make a 15 min saving in South Ealing Road. But it takes months for Ealing, Richmond and TfL to even discuss problem solving let alone act on it.The lack communication and ability to deal swiftly with problems would shame a third world country. It is all hot air and spin and no action. A mirror to...er.. The Mayor?Today it has taken nearly 2 hours on a 65 from Richmond to South Ealing. I got off and walked from the Richmond End of Kew complete with a 17kg bag and passed 7 buses!This is not the first time of late and is purely down to poor co-ordination of road works and traffic lights.Ironically, there were 4 police representatives on some of those buses. doing nothing. None of whom are able to direct traffic.Sitting for 40 mins on a brand new 65 really does drive home how uncomfortable the seats are, If not a gropers paradise from the huge gaps, the cushioning is non existent.again TfL passed this design.I was told personally by Boris that comfort, quality and restoring a superior degree of pride and exuding quality would be paramount in his transport policy.Try telling my sore posterior that Boris!

Michael Brandt ● 6067d2 Comments

The key difference between Boris's mayorality and that of Ken is that the former has zero interest in the detail of running the capital whereas Ken had a genuine passion for public transport. However Ken did create the behemoth of Transport for London an organisation which often seems to me to be run for the benefit of its employees rather than the travelling public. I am sure what has happened is that complaints about the 65 have been referred to a mayoral aide to deal with who was given a blocking response from TfL who knew their would be no come-back for not being helpful.When the politicians have opted out of doing anything about transport and are happy to leave it to the paid officers then to get anything done we are dependent on having genuinely committed staff willing to pull their fingers out like the ones at Hounslow Council.

Andy Jones ● 6067d

Topic: Re:Angie Bray, time to kick Boris into action Message:I think that is sadly quite true.Ken started out well but the monsters he created consumed him as well.The organisation has become full of incompetence and secrecy. Sadly, the very good people at both TfL. London Buses and The Underground are supressed and stifled.Tim O'Toole at the Underground was the only real talent at cutting through the crap and had even gained the respect of the unions. His parting speech (which I was fortunate enough to witness) was open and critical of both politicians and speculators alike. I think he was also astute enough to get out when he did forseeing that Boris and his people were no more able than Ken's lot and that the bubble will burst.It is the total lack of common sense and interference by politicians and 'advisors' far too many of whom display less knowledge of transport practicalities than the average schoolboy. All they seem to be expert in is screwing every last penny they can into their own coffers.Rant over, I feel better now!

Michael Brandt ● 6066d