LONDON’S TRAFFIC.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1976, 18 November 1921, Page 2

LONDON’S TRAFFIC.

STEAM TO ELECTRICITY. LONDON, October 29. Traffic schemes which may eventually change the face of London are being rushed forward to participate in the Government's £25,000,000 guarantee for local works outlined by the Prime. Minister. The Great Eastern Railway Company is seeking the proffered assistance to electrify its suburban system, by which 5000 men will be employed for five years. The Brighton Railway Company proposes to electrify its main line for the whole distance from London to the seaside, and this will engage 4000 men for three years. Tho South-eastern Railway Company intend to electrify its entire system within 30 miles of the city, an undertaking that will employ 6500 men for three years. The companies declare that steam has outlived its usefulness in busy systems, and only electrification can cope with the expanding traffic. The net increase in speed will be 30 per cent., and this will enable the extension of the residential arear for miles beyond its existing limits. The London underground traffic combine, ■which practically controls the tube system, and also the motorbua services, states that it is prepared to spend £9.000,000 on extensions and improvements to the underground system, under the Government scheme, but will want a 10 years’ monopoly for the busses on the existing routes, a point which is meeting with much opposition