TRAVEL: Probe into £2billion faulty Tube radio system

8:30am Thursday 9th October 2008

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AN investigation has been launched after Tube commuters faced delays and disruption because of a faulty £2billion radio system.

Whole lines have been closed because of problems with the Connect system, which links station depots and control centres on the London Underground (LU) network.

Three weeks ago, the Central line was shut down during rush hour when the radio system failed.

The BBC has reported that there have been more than 100 faults in the past two months.

Tube drivers have told the BBC they have concerns about safety and have no confidence in the system.

One said: "No-one has any confidence in the system at all. Potentially it could be life threatening. It is ill thought out and doesn't work properly.

"In some cases drivers are talking to the wrong control centres."

A LU spokesman said: "The majority of Connect issues raised through LU's daily reporting system have no effect on Tube service, but instead include issues such as the volume of control handsets being too loud.

"LU has launched a formal investigation after three failures involving the Connect system occured in August. The investigation is ongoing, but measures have been put in place to address issues raised."

A Transport for London spokeswoman added: "The Connect radio system has delivered huge improvements to communication across the Tube network.

"It enables all train, station and line control staff to communicate effectively with one another and replaces ageing technology with a system fit for the 21st century.

"Its roll-out is virtually complete and has been welcomed by the vast majority of staff.

"The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority. We would not operate any part of the Tube network without being 100 per cent confident it was safe to do so.

"The majority of the Connect issues raised through LU's daily reporting system have no effect on Tube service, but instead include issues such as the volume control of handsets being too loud.

"Connect and Airwave use the same technology. LU was able to adapt the Connect project to accommodate the additional capacity needed for Airwave.

However, they operate as two separate systems, so if the Connect system becomes unavailable, it would not affect the Airwave system."