TRAVEL: Probe into faulty £2billion radio system launched

8:15am Thursday 9th October 2008

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AN investigation has been launched after commuters faced delays and disruption in the past two months 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.

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."