Clean, simple, stylish, uncluttered, straightforward - # 108

.....those charged with re-newing London's ancient transport infrastructure whilst keeping "the Centre of the Universe" moving 24 hours a day without a hitch might say "Yeah, tell me about it!". Government created a Public+Private Partnership company to bring investors' capital and the world's finest engineering and management expertise into this massive and difficult task. The latest progress report from Transport for London says that poor performance "completely undermines....our confidence in Metronet's management". This is a company made up of the finest names in North American, German, French, and British engineering. The problems are such that these powerful and respected companies now face significant damage to their names and reputation.

For me there's a lesson..........when things go wrong, be circumspect and humble before you jump into eager criticism. Transport and political economy freaks can start their search here: http://www.metronetrail.com/default.asp?sID=1077628467890

A marriage of technology and elegant style - # 107

Daily streams of regular commuters and Saturday trippers pass through Richmond station. The main railway reached Richmond in the late 1840s/early 1850. The Underground railway(shown here) arrived about 1870. When I look at the great railway stations and bridges I admire the beautiful architecture and decoration. The Victorians were proud of their technological advance and combined it with the best that art could offer for our enjoyment. Where stations have been fully restored, the visual effect is stunning. In Richmond too much old paint hides some of the past glory, and the 1930s rebuild of the main line railway station is no longer a visual delight.

I think that this photo would be better if the line of passengers was in clear focus - but at least the art is clear, which is what I wanted to show.