Gordon Brown over the financing and management of the tube's modernisation. Most independent experts, the City and voters side with Mr Livingstone. But the mayor's trump card has been his appointment of Bob Kiley, the smooth-talking moderniser of New York and Boston's creaking subway systems, as his transport commissioner. Mesmerised by their fear and dislike of Mr Livingstone, ministers keep digging themselves into a deeper hole as the mayor seeks a judicial review. A compromise should be possible.
Consultation is under way.
The mayor wants to see new bus lanes, better contracts with the bus operators and improved key routes. There are more conductors. Taxis and minicabs are also being encouraged to provide better services at night. Free public transport for school trips has been restored. It may be working by 2010.