LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson has apologised for the severe delays on the Metropolitan line which he says are down to 'teething problems'.
Furious commuters have faced nightmare journeys since new air conditioned trains were introduced in August last year. It is also closed most weekends while engineering work is carried out.
A new signalling system is needed on the troubled Met line but this could take nearly five years.
Speaking to the Observer last night, Boris said: "There will be teething problems with a new service. We have to upgrade the signalling on the Met line. I know that this is tough but the improvements will be worth it. There needs to be more communication about this. But I'm sorry you are experiencing this."
Parts of the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines were forced to close during rush hour last month angering commuters.
The upgrade work on the Jubilee line was due to be finished in 2009.
Boris said: "Yes I know people are experiencing real hassle and have had a lot of bad experiences. I want to apologise for the delays they have suffered and the inconvenience.
"But I do think there is some progress. Especially on the Jubilee line. I have on my desk a monitor which tells me everything that is happening. The Jubilee line will be better by the end of the year. It is worth it. The hassle and the aggro will be worth it."
