Islington Tribune - News: Ken’s red revolution promises safer trains

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Islington Tribune - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 16 November 2007

Ken’s red revolution promises safer trains

TRAVELLERS to Silverlink rail stations are promised safer journeys at night following the route’s transfer to Transport for London control.
The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone visited Hampstead Heath station on Monday morning to mark the handover of the line from Richmond to Stratford, which he revealed would now be partly run by Chinese Communists.
Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which manages the Hong Kong public transport system – hailed by the mayor as the best in the world – is a partner in the new firm that has won the contract to run the route on a day-to-day basis.
Mr Livingstone promised improvements at Hampstead Heath station, which lacks CCTV coverage, is not permanently staffed and had 10 reported crimes ranging from assault and robbery to graffiti vandalism in the past 12 months.
Camden’s six Silverlink stations have had 133 reported crimes in 12 months.
TfL, which has re-branded the line the London Overground, is to spend £1.4 billion on stations and trains over the next five years.
Mr Livingstone said: “It will mean new investment in each stop, with new shelters being built, new public toilets, shops and cafés being added.”
A deal with newly formed rail company Lovol would ensure the line was run for the benefit of passengers, not profit-hungry private companies, he added.
Lovol will oversee the day-to-day running of the line in return for a 10 per cent annual share of ticket revenue.
The current rolling stock – now 30 years old – will be replaced within 12 months.
Platforms are to be lengthened so more passengers can be carried, while ticket prices will remain the same. Oyster cards will be used across the network.

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