Unions seek talks with London mayor Sadiq Khan over £2.9bn transport 'crisis'

The union wants the mayor to review the closure of Tube ticket offices and hold talks over delayed plans for a night Tube

The union wants the mayor to hold talks over delayed plans for a night Tube (Getty)

Union leaders are calling for urgent talks with new London mayor Sadiq Khan to discuss issues they warn pose the biggest threat to transport services in the capital since the Blitz.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said there was a looming £2.9 billion financial crisis facing Transport for London as a result of Government attacks on the budget, and a growing over-crowding and safety threat on both Tube and rail services as demand outstrips capacity.

The union also wants the mayor to review the closure of Tube ticket offices and hold talks over delayed plans for a night Tube as well as the dispute over the role of conductors on Southern Railway which has sparked industrial action.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT has set out the issues and the sheer scale of the financial and capacity crisis facing the capital leaves London facing its biggest transport threat since the Blitz.

"RMT is seeking an urgent meeting with the new mayor based on our agenda but no one should be under illusions and as far as the union is concerned it is 'business as usual' as we fight for jobs, conditions, safety and services."

PA