New Labour privatises East London line. posted by Richard Seymour

Bad move:

A leaked London Underground memo shows plans for it to be the first Tube line to be run by the private sector, once work is completed in 2009.

The line, which will play a major 2012 Olympic role, will shut in December 2007 for work to be carried out.

The Shoreditch to New Cross line will be extended north to Highbury and south to West Croydon and Clapham Junction.

Once completed it will be handed to a private operator in 2009 when it will be tied into services on the overland North London Line - creating a new franchise.

The RMT has already condemned this decision. Extending the Underground system is certainly a necessary development, but it's utter lunacy to extend the logic of the private sector further into the public transport system. Surprising that Ken Livingstone's office appears to have endorsed this, since Ken made his reputation and bid for mayor on the basis of opposition to privatisation, but then he isn't exactly known for staying the course.