Temporary closures on eight tube lines meant severe disruption to the network, which would make it extremely hard for some veterans to attend the Remembrance parade and service at the Cenotaph. News of the closures came late in the day with Howard Collins (TfL) appearing on Fridays London Tonight (ITV).
So London looked towards Mayor Boris Johnson and his top man at TfL Peter Hendy to come to the aid of the people who gave so much to make this country what it is today. Would he lay on a fleet of Dial-a-ride vehicles or perhaps a few buses much loved by Peter (Bendy) Hendy?
Unbelievably, TfL turned its back on the veterans with an almighty snub, making their annual pilgrimage to remember fallen comrades almost impossible.
But there was hope on the horizon , in the shape of the London Taxi Trade who picked up the baton and turned up en masse, to offer the veterans a free shuttle service from designated pick up points to the Cenotaph. When the annual parade and service was over the Cabbies were there again, to take the veterans back to their original pick up points.
I have never been so proud of my fellow cabbies who stopped work and put themselves out to offer this free shuttle service.
The original plans for this operation were drawn up (in an amazingly short time) by members of the United Cabbies Group. But the operation was supported by a united band of brothers from all parts of the Taxi trade.
Spokesperson for the group, Jonathan Myers said "It has been so successful we are going to make this an annual event. Next year we will have more time to make plans and it should run even smoother".
Well done to all our comrades who participated in this exercise.
I'm sure the veterans will be grateful they were not forgotten.
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Even more reason why you should turn up and demonstrate on Wednesday 17th November.
Also read Steves account. A driver that stayed out all through the night so he could be there. Click Here...
Well said Anderson Shelter.
ReplyDeleteWe all feel proud to have been there.
So LfL proudly announced that they will lay on buses and taxis and trains.
Taxi Drivers provided Taxis, trains were suspended, hundreds of unnecessary bussed that clog our streets daily would just add to congestion.
Well done UCG for organization and to all the drivers for giving your time to be there.
Simco
Hendy and Boris should resign over this fiasco.
ReplyDeleteThey have shown no respect to our veterans.
Didn't expect it from the Marxist Hendy, But Boris is supposed to be true blue British, With royal family connections.
Probably more connected to the Duke of Windsor who wanted to make pact with Hitler.
Bob
PETER HENDY,was on the radio twice last week,Once on NICK FERRARI,and i think the second time was on JAMES OBRIEN,both times he clearly stated,that they would get the veterans to the cenotaph,By Dial a ride,extra Buses or taxi,This was also repeated on telly by COLLINS,So why did it not happen,I think it only fair they are brought back to explain to the voting public to explain,After all they are not self employed,they work for us the voters,As much as i hate LIVINGSTONE,I honestly believe if he had been in charge this situation would not have arisen,Its only my opinion but i truly feel JOHNSON has not got a clue,so leaves everything to his minions,thats why we are having all the problems we have today,with tube strikes,closures,Fire brigade strikes,and our own problems,All he seems to care about is his poxy Bike Hire scheme,Be intresting to know exactly how many people have been Knocked off these bikes for no other reason than they just dont know how to ride them,We the public should demand to know these answers
ReplyDeleteThanks for turning out guys (YB & GB Together).
ReplyDeleteNo doubt the non independent cab tade press (Badge, CTN and Taxi) will either:
a) Pretend it did not happen.
b) Claim the credit
c) Portray it as some kind of plot.
No doubt the 'leaders' did not attend as its 'Double Bubble' Stand down for a Sunday and funds are tight!
No one missed you!