Plundering London Underground : New Labour, Private Capital and Public Service 1997-2010

This book tells a story of privatisation on the London Underground. Privatisation - the Public-Private Partnership - was announced by New Labour in 1998. It was implemented in 2003. By 2010 it had failed. What went wrong? Public-Private Partnership failed because privatisation rewards manager, shareholders and lawyers. The look after themselves first. Other concerns were neglected - service, safety and improved access for disabled passengers. Published during London Underground's 150th birthday year, this book draws extensively on interviews with managers and Tube workers. It both sketches the history of the Underground and looks to the future. We need a better plan for transport - a socialist policy that involves passengers and workers and prioritises public service.