Image of London Underground Tube approaching station


London Underground Ltd has entered into three Public Private Partnership Agreements, one with Tube Lines and two with Metronet.  Under these Agreements, which cover a 30 year period, three separate companies ('Infracos') are responsible for the maintenance, renewal and upgrading of specific parts of London Underground's infrastructure. 

The role of the PPP Arbiter was established by the Greater London Authority Act 1999.  The Arbiter deals principally with disputes about the financial terms of the PPP Agreements.  The Secretary of State appointed Chris Bolt as the first Arbiter in December 2002, and his appointment runs until December 2010.  Under the terms of the Act, the Arbiter is independent of Government and of the PPP Parties.

In July 2007, the two Metronet Infracos went into administration, and were subsequently acquired by Transport for London.  This change in ownership did not change the functions and duties of the Arbiter in relation to the Metronet PPP Agreements, which remain in place.