On 25/07/2018 08:42, michael adams wrote:
snip


The only reason there are "subsidies" in London at all is because
these are recouped from taxes on employers and their employees
for whom Public Transport is a necessity, and from tourists who
spend their money around the Capital.

All removing the subsidy will do is shift the burden onto employers
and employees by fair rises and similarly make London less attractive
to tourists.

Grants by _central_ government for TfL's operations[1] are being phased
out. TfL will still get grants from _local_ government. The Greater
London Authority makes them - so far, out of taxes (business rates) paid
in London. Some might see that as a good example of devolution of
decision-taking to Londoners and their elected representatives. Some -
including the Mayor - ask for more devolved powers.

And as a London resident I'd find it hard to explain to people outside
London why central government should give TfL more of their taxes to
subsidise travel in London while Londoners' enjoy a fares freeze. The
current Mayor campaigned on, and implemented, a 4 year freeze that was
expected to cost £1.9 billion.


[1] it still gets grants for capital projects: only yesterday there was
the news of extra money from DfT for Crossrail

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-44942322

--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid