MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY - Essay Example The LU provides transportation to over a billion individuals annually, a number almost equivalent to that, transported by the National Rail Network (NRN). LU’s land portfolio of more than 4,000 ha, a labour force of more than 19,000 individuals, and its coverage of most parts of London, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, all serve to show the immense significance of this transport system. The Transport for London (TfL) is a public institution currently tasked with the responsibility of managing LU and other modes of transport throughout London. The principal strategy of the TfL is to ensure excellent performance of London’s transportation network, making it distinctive and more efficient in comparison to other cities around the world, while providing London dwellers with ample access to transportation. The TfL also strives to raise the performance standards of the LU in regard to environmental protection, hence making the system a global leader not only in addres sing the challenges of urban transportation, but also in environment conservation. Significant changes towards the better have already been attained in the mentioned efforts, but there are still prevalent challenges, especially in upgrading the Tube to modern standards. Background Based on historical analysis of the London Underground, major development inhibitors have been present, and particularly under investment. Poor financial backing, prior to alteration of managerial structure, had rendered the LU outdated and unreliable. The principal challenge of the body responsible for managing the LU is, therefore, attempting to continually develop a safe and reliable transport service (Great Britain Parliament House of Commons 2010, p. 42). It is, however, imperative to note that while safety and reliability are crucial attributes of an effective transport service, they should not be the sole focus of management. Other features should be accorded equal attention, and these include, time taken during travelling, as well as, quality of services offered in the course of the journey. This is because; most passengers require a fast mode of transportation, especially in the contemporary economic environment where time is a crucial resource. Quality should not be overlooked, since; if customers are granted comfort and proper service during the travel, there is a high likelihood of using the LU other than alternative means of transport. Quality of transportation and proper care of passengers are, clearly, features that London Underground’s members of staff hold with utmost regard. This is evident from the staff’s ease of accessibility and constant willingness to help passengers whenever need arises. The extensive consideration of quality is also apparent from the installation of high-tech security and information systems, which increase customers’ convenience when using the LU. Additionally, there are numerous and regular investments to increase the T ube’s accessibility for passengers (Dunwoody 2008, p. 102). Nevertheless, the management and effective running of the LU is not devoid of challenges. The primary challenge is to sustain constant transportation of passengers, while still trying to transform the