Monday, February 2, 2009

London's Transport recovers after wrong amount of snow

After yesterday's "Arctic" conditions, with London's worst snowfall in 18 years, looks like we will have an easier journey into work this morning. Most of the London Underground seems to be working and at time of writing (7.20am) only the Circle Line is completely suspended due to a broken down train. There are part suspensions on the District, Bakerloo & Hammersmith & City Lines, so check the Tube's website before you leave home.

View from my study - 3rd February

Here's the view from my study today, with the District Line coming in from Richmond, so err... luckily, I'll be able to get into town.

Most of the main roads have been cleared of snow, so most of London's buses are back on the road. However TfL said "Five routes are currently suspended linked to the volume of gritting taking place on local roads and there may be reduced services on some other routes."

The Congestion Charge, which Mayor Boris Johnson lifted yesterday, is back to normal operation today. You'll be pleased to hear that the wrong type of snow wasn't blamed for our transport system not coping. Yesterday The Mayor said:

"There's no doubt about it, this is the right kind of snow, it's just the wrong kind of quantities.

"My message to the heavens is: 'You've put on a fantastic display of snow power but that is probably quite enough'."



I like how in yesterday's interview above Boris manages some clever avoidance. Johnson says "We've actually been quite successful with the Tube network". The interviewer responds rather quickly with "If this was successful I'd like to see what unsuccessful was like".

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