Tube boss apologises for 'double whammy' Victoria line delays

Tube boss: Mike Brown apologises for 'double whammy' Victoria line delays
12 April 2012

Tube boss Mike Brown today apologised to commuters after hundreds of thousands suffered a "double whammy" of major disruptions on the Victoria line.

The line, used by more than 600,000 passengers a day, broke down during the height of the morning peak yesterday and then again during last night's rush hour.

Commuters were advised to try and find other ways home. There were further unrelated problems on the Central, Jubilee and Hammersmith & City lines.

Mr Brown, London Underground managing director, blamed the failure of the Victoria line on signal work being carried out during the Bank Holiday weekend when the route was closed.

He blamed contractor Bombardier - which has been condemned for repeated problems with its new
Victoria line trains - and Invensys.

Mr Brown said he was "very disappointed" with the companies who had "failed to deliver the reliable service that our passengers deserve." Both were pressed "to ensure this situation is not repeated."

Problems followed work switching to a new signalling system. The line broke down at 8am yesterday - service was suspended between Seven Sisters and Walthamstow Central with severe delays along the remained of the route. That last until 10 am.

Around 3pm the line broke down again with services suspended between Seven Sisters and Highbury & Islington. That lasted until 6pm but ongoing major delays continued for most of the evening.

Commuters complained on Twitter. DJ Lee "Darkside" Taylor wrote in the morning: "Stuck on a Victoria line train for 40 minutes for it then to get suspended. Ideal way to start the day!"

In the evening Niall Sookoo wrote: "Tube nightmare for Londoners. Just back to work after the Bank Holiday. Victoria line suspended Northbound. Ham & City severe delays."

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