LETTERS A better Underground
Sir: Gavin Stamp's article (`Taking the tube to task', 28 November) echoes the thoughts that many of us have over the deterioration of the Underground. Howev- er I believe the installation of an automatic fare collection system will improve safety rather than the reverse.
A proper layout of the entry/exit gates at each station allows a faster throughput of passengers than the present manned sys- tem simply because there are physically more entry/exit points. Anyone who has used, say, the Hong Kong system will know just how easy and quick the system is. For over a decade London Transport have toyed with the introduction of a system. The GLC made £10 million available for continuation of the work in 1979. LT have been dilatory in installing a system the lack of which is costing between an estimated £20-40 million in evaded fares.
Not having an automatic fare collection system also means that several thousand staff are tied up often ineffectually inspect- ing and collecting tickets, thus adding to LT's overmanning problem. Surely it would be in the travelling public's interest if some of these jobs were translated into security men showing a presence both on trains and stations, particularly at night.
One of the reasons why London does not have an effective system of roving ticket inspectors, who deter would-be fare-dodgers by being able to impose heavy fines on the spot, is that successive governments re- fused to legislate for its introduction. That may not work herr anyway, as we may be a less well-ordered society than is found on the continent.
I do not wish to make a case for the control of London's transport through the GLC, but while it existed, the public of London, through 92 elected members, had a direct input to LT. This did have an effect on LT policy, and the GLC controlled its finances. One of the last acts of the GLC-nominated members on the LT ex- ecutive was to force through the smok- ing ban on the Underground, a proposition that the previous management of LT had resisted for years.
Gordon Taylor (Former Chairman, GLC London Transport Committee) 33 Royal Avenue, London SW3
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