Andy Lord wipes a tear as he talks assualt on Elizabeth Line worker Jorge Ortega

Transcript

00:00As the board knows, safety is at the heart of everything we do at TfL, and my report

00:05starts with an update on a notable and significant safety incident.

00:09Claire Mann representing us to honour and commemorate disability campaigner and former

00:13chair of London Travel Watch and Transport for All, Alan Benson.

00:17Alan was a passionate advocate whose work significantly improved accessibility across

00:21London's transport network.

00:22The plaque's placement on the Elizabeth line is especially fitting, reflecting his pride

00:27in efforts to make travel more inclusive.

00:29His legacy continues to inspire progress, ensuring that public transport remains accessible

00:34for all.

00:37As the board knows, safety is at the heart of everything we do at TfL, and my report

00:41starts with an update on a notable and significant safety incident.

00:45Sadly, I must report on a number of incidents that have occurred since we last met, all

00:50of which are sobering reminders of the importance of safety and security of our customers and

00:55staff.

00:58The appalling attack on George Ortega, a member of MTR Elizabeth line staff working at Ilford

01:02station, has been unspeakably difficult for everyone at MTR and TfL, as well as the wider

01:08transport family, but particularly those who worked closest to him.

01:13George tragically lost his life while simply doing his job, helping customers travel around

01:18London.

01:20Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation.

01:28It is unthinkable that someone could lose their life due to an unprovoked act of violence

01:32while working.

01:33Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and closest colleagues.

01:38We are working closely with the British Transport Police to support the investigation and strengthen

01:42safety measures for staff.

01:45In a separate tragic incident, a 14-year-old boy lost his life on a bus in Woolwich following

01:49an attack.

01:50This emphasises the need to continue to tackle violence and antisocial behaviour across our

01:55network.

01:56Our partnerships with the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and local authorities

02:00are absolutely key to strengthen safety on public transport.