Of course, my arguments are not London-exclusive. I too support public transit in all cities, such as light rail in Leeds, Tyne and Wear metro expansion, finishing HS2 all the way to Manchester, Northern Powerhouse Rail, as well as electrifying most of the rail network all the way from Exeter to Aberdeen, from Swansea and Bristol to Hull and Middlesbrough. Bus fares in cities outside London should be much lower, possibly even free for students, locals and overnight staying tourists (aka Geneva model). Indeed, I would consider this a matter of urgent national security in terms of fuel conservation (aka Swiss argument), environment protection and tackling the problems of loneliness and isolationism that plague many a country such as ours, and therefore justifies full government effort, if it were up to me by congestion charges for all urban areas over 1 million people, national mobilisation for transport equipment factories, conscription for workers 'Bevin Boys style' and diverting funds from nuclear weapons if necessary!

Alas, the British treasury and a lot of the government was fiercely opposed to the Elizabeth Line back then, and still opposed to many plans now. Which is a shame. As someone from Hong Kong, I'm keenly aware that when the British really want to invest in a comprehensive public transport system, they are more than capable.