Transport for LondonMessage from the Commissioner
Skip to navigationI begin by acknowledging the remarkable professionalism andcourage shown by our own and our contractors' staff and theircolleagues in the emergency services during and after 7 July 2005.
Their resilience in getting London's transport network up and running again so quickly is further testament to the calibre of staff working on it. While it is important to look forward, it is equally important to remember the numerous examples of heroism and bravery that undoubtedly saved many lives on that terrible day.
Those who displayed such outstanding bravery have been honoured at the highest level - by the Mayor and the Prime Minister at a reception held in their honour in December 2005, and by the Queen, who hosted events involving a number of staff at Buckingham Palace and made awards in the New Year's Honours List.
Throughout 2005/06, TfL continued to consolidate its reputation as an organisation that delivers. The success of our second bond issue in March 2006 demonstrates a growing confidence in our abilities among the financial markets in the UK and abroad.
TfL's five-year Investment Programme is progressing well. The planning and execution of a large number of infrastructure projects is in full swing, and we have completed several milestone infrastructure projects including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) London City Airport extension and the addition of a seventh car on all Jubilee line trains. These improvements will enable TfL to keep pace with London's rising population and employment levels, and will contribute to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
One of the year's most notable highlights was the performance of London's 8,200-strong bus fleet. Last year, passenger numbers on the bus network were the highest for more than 40 years, while service quality continued to rise. The number of bus journeys has now risen 40 per cent since 2000, delivering the Government's national bus target in London alone.
For the third year, the Congestion Charge proved highly effective at reducing congestion throughout central London, while the many discounts available to Oyster users have made public transport more convenient and affordable for millions.
Despite the impact of the 7 July attacks, London Underground (LU)'s performance continued to improve during 2005/06. In February 2006, it was named Train Operator of the Year at the HSBC Rail Business Awards.
The Public Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure companies Metronet and Tube Lines have delivered some achievements but they have failed to perform in other key areas. They remain firmly in the spotlight and it is up to their shareholders to demonstrate that they can improve their performance.
Passengers who have contended with the results of years of under-funding on the National Rail network in London are benefiting from longoverdue investment in making the system more reliable, cleaner and safer, and TfL's North London Railway concession will result in new standards of provision for Londoners beyond November 2007.
Announced by the Mayor and the new Secretary of State for Transport, Douglas Alexander, the move to install Oyster technology at National Rail stations in Travelcard Zones 1 to 6 is another important step towards creating an integrated transport system.
Although travelling in the Capital is becoming safer, there is no room for complacency. We are working to create the safest possible transport system, and nothing is higher on our priority list than the well-being of the people who travel and work on it. In 2005, we saw 45 per cent fewer people killed or seriously injured on London's roads than the 1994-1998 baseline.
This fall exceeded the Government's 2000 target of a 40 per cent reduction by 2010. Intensive investment in further reinforcing safety on the Tube is bearing fruit, while the travelling public is also benefiting from other safety initiatives such as the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) on all buses.
We are determined to create a transport system free of any barriers to those who wish to travel. This is imperative to ensuring that everyone is able to share in our city's success. During the year, we took positive steps towards opening up the transport system to people who may previously have felt excluded from it. By the end of December 2005, for example, all London buses - except those on the two heritage routes - were accessible to people with limited mobility. We continue to invest in further improving services for disabled people such as Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard.
Since September 2005, young people under 16 have been eligible for free bus and tram travel, while under-11s accompanied by an adult have been eligible for free Tube and DLR travel since March 2006.
The success of the DLR - which is playing such an important role in east London's renaissance - exemplifies how safe, efficient and accessible public transport can act as a catalyst for regeneration. Along with other major projects in TfL's development portfolio, it is helping to improve social inclusion for many people living in London's most deprived areas.
Minimising transport's impact on the environment is equally important and we are working closely on the Mayor's agenda to tackle pollution and climate change. The number of cyclists in London is reaching ever higher levels, and we are equally committed to making our city as accessible and welcoming as possible to pedestrians.
Our achievements in 2005/06 were underpinned by the growing strength of our relationships with London's boroughs, businesses, trade unions, local communities and the travelling public. We are committed to taking London with us as we work towards creating a transport system that does justice to our city's status as the world's premier capital.
We are under no illusions about the scale of the challenges facing the Capital's transport system as a result of the London Plan's forecast growth in population and jobs. These challenges have been highlighted by TfL's T2025 project. This study has analysed in detail the potential impact of London's growth on its transport networks. This analysis will help to shape our work and inform our investment decisions in the years ahead.
I conclude by paying tribute to my predecessor Bob Kiley, who stepped down as London's firstever Commissioner for Transport at the end of January 2006. During his five years at TfL, he laid the foundations for an integrated organisation, and the increased investment and improving services we are now seeing.
The task ahead is formidable, but I have every confidence in our ability to overcome the challenges we face. With the support of our partners, we are moving ahead and delivering.
Peter Hendy
Commissioner, Transport for London
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