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The head of London's public transport has used taxis nearly 400 times during the past three years for which he has charged expenses, new figures reveal today.

Sir Peter Hendy — Commissioner of Transport for London and knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours for services to transport and the community — lists the 398 trips among the £16,125 of expense claims.

The figure includes business and working dinners, registration and travel to transport conferences — as well as £31.91 for some coffee mugs for his office.

Details were revealed after a freedom of information request made by Martin Hoscik of MayorWatch, the independent group which examines spending by the Mayor of London and senior staff.

Transport for London launched a robust defence.

In a statement accompanying the figures, TfL said: “Sir Peter Hendy travels to and from work by public transport and he regularly uses public transport when travelling in the capital on business.

“He is overseeing the delivery of a 10-year, multi-million-pound budget to manage transport in London and also to deliver Crossrail and the upgrade of the Tube and there are occasions when his full schedule and late hours necessitate the use of taxis.” Sir Peter’s claim covers the years 2010 (£5,316.52), 2011 (£5,666.77) and 2012 (£5,141.99).

The coffee mugs were purchased on October 5, 2011, in two lots costing £7.96 and £23.95.

MayorWatch published the findings on its website today. It states: “Sir Peter’s claims for 2012 include more than £2,500 on taxis and travelling costs. He also claimed hundreds of pounds on meals and £99.60 for a subscription to Ville Rail & Transports magazine.”

According to the FoI response, expenses claimed by TfL’s seven most senior executives totalled more than £22,000 between 2010 and September 2012.

TfL’s annual report reveals Sir Peter earned £331,175 last year - more than twice the £143,911 earned by Mayor Boris Johnson.

In contrast, London Underground managing director Mike Brown did not claim for any taxis during 2010 and 2011. His total expenses for 2010 came to £112 and in 2011 £710.95. There is nothing listed for last year.

A Transport for London spokeswoman said: “As part of its recognition of its role as a public body and its commitment to achieving value for money, TfL has controls in place to ensure financial probity.

“TfL has a business expenses policy which provides for staff to claim expenses incurred in the course of their duties subject to the parameters in the policy including authorisation procedures.”