Taking the strain - For three and a half years, Alistair Darling managed to keep transport troubles out of the headlines. But no one could keep the lid on such a bubbling cauldron for long - and now he faces all the issues at once

COVER - Direction of travel - Alistair Darling's success in keeping the railways out of the tabloids might give his successor at transport the mistaken impression that all is well in the sector. But Douglas Alexander is likely to be disappointed

Wolmar, Christian, (2006)

Journey's end? London's Crossrail project finally got the go-ahead last year, after a series of false starts. But that was before the credit crunch. Now the funding to connect London to its commuter belt in the east and west is looking doubtful

Wolmar, Christian, (2008)

REGULARS - VIEWPOINT - Christian Wolmar sees trouble on the line ahead

Wolmar, Christian, (2002)