London's transport system has suffered for decades from a lack of consistent investment. Ministers have always acknowledged that effective transport in the Capital is viatl for the prosperity of the United Kingdom and the wellbeing of London. And yet governements have historically under-funded a system that was once the envy of the world and inspired imitators around the globe. Even when funding was pledged, all too often the amount was chopped and changed, year after year. The result--seriously run-down infrastructure and insufficient capacity to meet London's needs--is all too familiar to the 10 million passengers who use the public transport network every day.