Our 'maths' is easy, say Tube chiefs

Tube chiefs today defended using complex mathematical formulae to control service standards under the Government's proposed part-privatisation of the network.

Sir Malcolm Bates, London Transport chairman in charge of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) insisted the calculations are "perfectly sensible and easy-to-follow measures".

His comments follow complaints from Bob Kiley, London's transport commissioner, that the contracts governing future private-sector owners are mind-boggling.

It is claimed the contracts are so open to abuse and worded in such a way that the private sector stands to make tens of millions of pounds even if standards fall below today's levels.