Boris’s 20pc fare rises will even hit those on low wages—Biggs

BORIS Johnson has come in for more attacks over today’s announcement of steep bus and Underground in London in the New Year. London Assembly member John Biggs accused the Mayor of “foolish decisions”

By Mike Brooke

BORIS Johnson has come in for more attacks over today’s announcement of steep bus and Underground fare rises in London in the New Year.

London Assembly Opposition member John Biggs, whose East London constituency includes Britain’s poorest borough, accused the Mayor of “foolish decisions” which will send out confusing messages in times of recession.

“Boris is giving with one hand, but taking back with the other,” he said. “He’s applauded for freezing GLA council tax precept, but it’s disappointing he now slams up fares.

“Hyping bus fares by 20 per cent will hit working families. Even those on low wages getting half-fare concessions will be paying more.”

Biggs slammed the decision to replace the controversial bendy’ buses he says London can’t afford.

“Replacing bendy buses is costing us �3 million a year,” he added. “It’s not easy being mayor, but he’s making foolish decisions. To pretend this is not a disaster for London is spin’ in the extreme.”

The mayor come under fire earlier today from transport lobbyists accusing him of abandoning passengers while letting motorists “off the hook” and from traders who say raising Congestion toll charges from �8 to �10 a day will put many small firms out of business.