Questions for Boris Johnson over cost of his £1.6million bus

Ken Livingstone said

“We are in tough economic times where spending is being squeezed and we need to know beyond the £8million for just 5 prototype buses; what is the plan for rolling out these vehicles across the network, what is the exact timeframe and most importantly what is the extra cost to London? Are they intended to replace existing double-deckers, on what routes, and what are the financial implications?

‘We need to be continually improving London’s buses, making them cleaner, greener, more accessible and better value for money. This week Londoners said the cost of travelling on public transport was their top priority – it is time for clear answers from Boris Johnson about the costs and long-term planning for this project."


Val Shawcross AM said,

“In a week when Boris Johnson’s own annual London survey found the cost of travelling on the capital’s buses, trains and tubes are the top concerns of Londoners, this hugely expensive project gives a clear indication of the Conservative Mayor’s priorities.

‘I believe we can make London’s buses safer, more efficient and cost effective without increasing the cost to the taxpayer. We need clear answers from the Conservative Mayor about the true cost of this project and the long term financial viability of this project.”


Notes:

1. Boris Johnson's £1.6million bus  

Times - ‘Boris Johnson promised Londoners that his new red buses would be special and he has kept his word — but the price has stunned even the Mayor’s harshest critics. Each new Routemaster will cost nearly £1.6 million, eight times the cost of a conventional £190,000 double-decker.’
More here

Daily Mail - ‘Critics have questioned whether the new Routemasters, costing £7.8 million for five, provide value for money. However Transport for London said the initial cost included design and development, covering all research, prototypes and testing. If more buses are commissioned, the outlay will be reduced. A conventional double decker costs £190,000 to build.’ More here


2. Boris Johnson's opinion poll finds Londoners think fares too high and fewer police on streets - Wed 25 May 2011
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