Transport for LondonMessage from the Commissioner
Skip to navigation <<Back to ContentsOn 7 July 2005 London's transport system suffered a series of terrible terrorist attacks resulting in loss of life, injury and damage to the Underground's infrastructure. On behalf of everyone at TfL, I offer the sincerest condolences to the families of our passengers who lost their lives or were injured in these attacks. I thank every member of staff, the police and emergency services who risked their own safety to rescue the injured and trapped. I also want to thank the staff and our contractors for their outstanding efforts in ensuring that London's transport network was up and running again as quickly as possible.
'We have the people, the drive, the expertise and now - thanks to the 5-Year Investment Programme the resources.'
Bob Kiley, Transport for London Commissioner
These terrorist attacks came less than 24 hours after the euphoria of winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. TfL played a pivotal role in persuading the International Olympic Committee's inspection teams and, ultimately, the voting members, that London can and will deliver the world-class transport systems required.
Those two contrasting days in July confirmed to the world what we achieved in 2004/05. We have the people, the drive, the expertise and now - thanks to the 5-Year Investment Programme - the resources.
Since its creation five years ago, TfL has earned an enviable reputation. It's an organisation that delivers. Obtaining Government agreement for a groundbreaking five-year funding package was crucial. The settlement has given TfL the certainty to plan ahead.
After decades of under-investment, this agreement and the new ability to borrow money to pay for major projects is welcome news. TfL can now invest £10 billion over the next five years and provide London with the transport it needs and deserves.
Improvements continued through 2004/05. Among them, the Underground network met all of the Government's seven performance targets. Passengers registered the highest satisfaction level yet recorded. Bus use rose substantially again thanks to better management, improved frequency and reliability. Congestion Charging continued to reduce congestion in central London. The number of people killed or seriously injured on London's roads was down by 19.3 per cent, significantly ahead of target. Passenger numbers on the Docklands Light Railway grew by 9 per cent. The continuing development of the Oyster card took TfL to the forefront of smartcard ticketing. Efficiency savings grew to £119 million, £12 million above target. The unparalleled 4 per cent shift from cars to public transport over the last five years helped deliver environmental improvements.
Not everything went smoothly during the year. For example, concerns about the progress made by the companies charged with maintaining and renewing the London Underground (LU) through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) revealed some worrying trends. But overall, 2004/05 was a good year for TfL.
We couldn't have done this alone. Our partners across London - the boroughs, the business community, voluntary organisations, our contractors - supported us throughout. It is with great satisfaction I report the official recognition we won for our work to deliver efficient and cost-effective services for London's travelling public. The Audit Commission gave TfL its highest possible rating of 'excellent' and judged TfL as a 'highly capable and well-managed organisation'.
My thanks go to all the people who together made that accolade possible, including TfL staff, passengers, contractors, other public officials and board members. Whatever challenges we faced, TfL's people rose to meet them.
Bob Kiley, Transport for London Commissioner
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