Doing it on the Tube

As part of an upgrade of London Underground's communications systems, travellers are to be offered the option of using mobiles on Tube platforms.

In a poll that seems guaranteed to attract strong views, London Underground plans to ask commuters if they like the idea of having access to mobile networks.

The opportunity for this extension of services arises out of a £1.2bn improvement contract won by CityLink, a consortium of Racal, Motorola and Fluor Daniel. The PFI deal will see £350M of private capital injected towards enhancements in communications and safety systems.

District, Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines are top of the list, with the remainder to follow by 2004.

Elliott Chase