Motion tabled by Murad at 18 July 2007 MQT:

This Assembly notes that users' complaints to First Great Western have gone up significantly since April of this year: In the first period of 2007-08 (1.4.07 to 28.4.07) users' complaints to FGW were up by 77% (compared to the same period a year before) and in the second period (29.4.07 to 26.5.07) by 144%.  

We place on record our concern over the fact that FGW has done little to improve its services and is continuously listed as one of the worst performing rail operators in the country. Whereas in 2006, only 73% of FGW services ran on time, in June this year its services declined even further with only 68% of peak trains arriving within five minutes of their scheduled time where the target is 92%. Overcrowding on FGW trains remains another point of concern: with FGW's morning peak result for overcrowding found to have reached a staggering 10.9%, compared with an L&SE average of 4.8% in autumn 2006.

As it is clear that FGW services are declining and the company seems to be unable to achieve its franchising commitment, this Assembly joins London Travel Watch in its call to the Department of Transport to closely examine the FGW franchise.

(Motion was carried unanimously)

Tube Cleaners Living Wage

Motion tabled by Murad at 16 January 2008 Assembly Plenary:

This Assembly supports the promotion of the London Living Wage, which on account primarily of housing costs represents a viable minimum wage level in London some �2 greater than the national minimum wage. We note that it is to be extended to cleaners working directly or through contractors for the Metronet Consortium and urge Tube Lines to follow a similar course.

Was carried (14 votes in favour, 8 votes against).