TfL accused of cost-cutting over Olympia closure

Boris Johnson was today urged to reconsider the closure of a District line service which residents and businesses say will undermine the exhibitions and events industry in west London.

Campaigners claim the decision to close the Earl's Court to Kensington Olympia link during the week is motivated by cost-cutting rather than improving the service.

Transport for London said the closure will allow an extra 4,000 passengers to travel every weekday morning on the Wimbledon branch and 800 more on Ealing Broadway services during the evening peak.

But Brendan McGrath, of the campaign group MyOlympia, now claims LU calculated that the move would save £859,000 a year. He said the document, given to him under the Freedom of Information Act, proves the decision was "taken long before the public knew about the plan."

Mr McGrath said: "It seems incredible that TfL believes it is a good idea to interfere with a service which helps bring in so much money to London via the exhibitions being held at Olympia."

The District line to Olympia service will continue to operate at weekends and special services will operate for major weekday events at the exhibition centre.

TfL said that following consultation with 18,000 customers, local business and stakeholders almost 80 per cent were in favour of the changes.

Karim Halwagi, of the Association of Event Organisers, has written to Mr Johnson urging him to reconsider the decision.

A TfL spokesman said: "The introduction of the new timetable will reduce delays across the whole line."