A2.2 | In the first year, two of the three Infracos achieved benchmark performance for ambience

During shadow running, there was a gradual worsening in ambience scores. On the JNP lines, for example, ambience scores fell from 71 out of 100 in late 1999 to 67 out of 100 in late 2002. This kind of performance was mirrored on other lines and was caused primarily by delayed investment in the cleaning and repair of stations and trains while the contracts were being finalised. As Figure 4 shows, in the first year of the PPPs, ambience scores are improving though not yet to a statistically significant degree. Two of the three Infracos are currently achieving benchmark performance. LUL attribute the better than benchmark scores for BCV Infraco to additional cleaning of Central Line trains during the three month line closure that followed the derailment in January 2003 at Chancery Lane, and benchmark performance for JNP Infraco through actions such as an intensive programme of train deep cleaning and the establishment of dedicated graffiti removal teams. Scores for SSL Infraco are worse than target, although LUL anticipates that deep cleans of trains and a commitment to remove all non-scratch graffiti within 24 hours will raise SSL's score to better than benchmark.

The parties anticipate that, even in a worst case scenario, ambience should at least equate to benchmark. For example, in the first 7½ years for JNP Infraco the best and worst case scenarios (as per its bid) are as follows: best case - ambience scores reach 79, 11 per cent above benchmark, within 5 years of the start of the contract; worst case - ambience scores meet benchmark of 71 within 2 years of the start of the contract.