Transport for LondonSummary of progress towards implementing the Mayor's transport strategy
Skip to navigationTfL is required to report its progress on implementing the Mayor's Transport Strategy (MTS). This information is incorporated throughout the main body of this report. The following summary identifies the contribution TfL and its subsidiaries have made towards specific MTS priorities over the last year.
Priority A
Reducing traffic congestion
In central London, the benefits of the Congestion Charging scheme continued to influence traffic conditions. Against background trends of a continuing decline in overall traffic speeds, the time spent in traffic queues inside the Congestion Charging zone is broadly 30 per cent lower than it might have been without the scheme.
The £8 charge was introduced in July 2005 but it is too early to judge its full impact. The decision to proceed with the zone's western extension has been made and it is scheduled to become operational in February 2007. In Inner and Outer London, the TfL Pinch Point Programme, established in 2003, continues. TfL is reviewing and working with the London boroughs to tackle the worst areas of congestion on the TLRN and, through the LIP programme, to develop a way of reviewing the worst congestion bottlenecks on the borough networks then implementing a programme to address them.
The Traffic Management Act 2004 places a duty on all Local Traffic Authorities (including TfL) to keep all forms of traffic moving on their network, and to work with other traffic authorities for the wider benefit of the network. In 2005/06, this Act completed its first full year in operation. TfL's response to the legislation has eased congestion and minimised the disruption associated with London's one million road and street works by helping it to take difficult decisions that balance the conflicting and competing demands of all stakeholders. In addition, the London street works website, run by TfL on behalf of the ALG, has proved effective at fostering dialogue among those responsible for managing and maintaining London's streets.
TfL has also continued to deliver greater levels of traffic enforcement along London's strategic road network to ensure free movement of traffic. TfL now commands the largest camera enforcement operation in the UK. It has recently unveiled the latest weapon to combat illegal parking: a Smart car equipped with the latest digital technology, which will be used to enforce parking restrictions on the TLRN.
Meanwhile, there are also developments in Government policy, particularly on road pricing, that TfL is well-placed to contribute to and benefit from.
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Priority B
Overcoming the backlog of investment on the Underground so as to safely increase capacity, reduce overcrowding and increase both reliability and frequency of service
This is a key objective for LU. Over the last year, as part of TfL's Investment Programme, there has been a considerable amount of essential engineering work undertaken on the Tube network.
This has included:
- Track replacement on most lines
- Escalator refurbishment and replacement and station refurbishment and modernisation
Specific developments included:
- The opening of the upgraded Wembley Park station on schedule and on budget, in time for the new Wembley Stadium
- The start of engineering work on the Waterloo & City line to complete much needed improvements that will deliver a more reliable service with greater capacity and improved journey times
- The addition in January 2006 of a seventh carriage to all Jubilee line trains, boosting passenger capacity by 17 per cent; and the addition of four new trains, enlarging the Jubilee line fleet from 59 to 63 trains
- The progressive introduction of newly refurbished trains on to the District line from June 2005
- Ongoing construction work on the Heathrow Terminal 5 extension of the Piccadilly line
- The announcement that one-third of Tube stations will have step-free access by 2013, more than double the current number
- Ongoing work on the first phase of the King's Cross St Pancras development, including the Western Ticket Hall, which was opened in May 2006
Under TfL's Investment Programme, 34 station modernisation or refurbishment projects were completed during 2005/06.
Work involved installing improved safety, security, information and accessibility features, as well as restoring historic features at the stations. In 2006/07, over 45 stations will have been enhanced, and work will have started at a further 50 stations.
Progress is also continuing towards increasing capacity and reducing overcrowding, with plans ongoing for development and congestion relief at Bank, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and Victoria stations.
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Priority C
Making radical improvements to bus services across London, including increasing the bus system's capacity, improving reliability and increasing the frequency of services
In line with recent trends, there were further improvements to bus frequencies, kilometres operated and passenger journeys during 2005/06.
Improvements across London included:
- Support for the introduction of free travel for under-16s
- Network enhancements in and around Barking, Romford and Lewisham and elsewhere
- Increased capacity on many services
- Conversion of routes 29, 38 and 207 to articulated buses
- Provision of replacements for withdrawn commercially operated bus services in the Heathrow and Harold Wood areas
Service reliability has also improved further. This is the result of an increased number of services operated under Quality Incentive Contracts, improved route control, greater bus priority and enforcement, and the continued benefits of Congestion Charging.
New technologies in bus priority - such as selective vehicle detection (SVD), which allows buses to be preferentially progressed through traffic signals - has further improved bus speeds and reliability.
Changes were also proposed to improve bus services in inner west London to accompany the western extension of the Congestion Charging zone. These changes include increasing frequencies, using bigger buses, introducing extended routes and providing one completely new route, making it easier for residents and visitors to move around the area by public transport.
Work is also continuing on improvements at key bus stations. Enhancements include better accessibility, security, passenger information and interchange facilities at Finsbury Park and a new state-of-the-art bus station at Edmonton Green. In March 2006, the GLA Transport Committee released the Value Added report, which established that since the bus network has been expanded, the fleet overhauled and reliability improved, it is now being used by more passengers than at any time since the 1960s. The Committee also found that the subsidy paid by TfL towards the bus network represented value for money.
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Priority D
Better integration of the National Rail system with London's other transport systems to facilitate commuting, reduce overcrowding, increase safety and move towards a London-wide high frequency 'turn up and go' Metro service
TfL and the Mayor have continued to seek a greater influence over National Rail operations in London to further integrate services with bus and Underground and deliver greater efficiency to the network.
In February 2006, the DfT announced that from 11 November 2007, TfL and the Mayor will be responsible for managing the North London Railway.
This comprises the North London line; the London Euston to Watford Junction DC line; the West London line from Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction via Kensington Olympia; and the Gospel Oak to Barking line.
This move will allow the provision of additional station staff and facilities; improved security and revenue protection; Oyster ticketing, including the use of pay as you go; and extra train services. An enhancement programme will bring the North London Railway up to TfL standards, deliveringmore frequent services on all lines and up to eight trains an hour between Stratford and Willesden.
New trains will replace the existing fleet. The DfT has also accepted TfL's recommendations for the refranchising of the South West main line franchise into Waterloo, which now requires the successful bidder to provide Oyster validating machines at all London stations by 2009 - a further step towards fully integrated ticketing.
Furthermore, during 2005/06, TfL - in partnership with the train operating companies - funded passenger security improvements at stations and on trains.
These improvements included:
- The launch of a £2.7m package of on-train and station security enhancements in partnership with One and the London Borough of Hackney
- CCTV and Help points, both monitored by a control centre staffed 24/7
- Passenger-friendly waiting accommodation
- Real-time train running information
- New public address systems
- Increased lighting levels in and around stations
A number of proposals have been developed which could effectively meet growing rail demand in London and the South East.
These proposals include:
- A new east-west rail link (Crossrail 1)
- An upgraded main north-south route (Thameslink) to provide longer and more frequent trains
- The upgrade of a major London terminus (Waterloo) to take longer trains
- A package of other individual, relatively straightforward and low-cost measures that each make the best use of existing railways infrastructure by addressing key bottlenecks on each of the other main corridors
By modifying the existing National Rail infrastructure in London, and the focused renewal and enhancement of the existing rail network, in addition to Crossrail 1, growth can be met in a sustainable way and at relatively low cost. London Rail is currently testing these solutions in partnership with Government, the rail industry and other stakeholders. In particular, TfL is working very closely with the DfT and Network Rail on this proposal.
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Priority E
Increasing the overall capacity of London's transport system by promoting major new cross-London rail links, including access to international transport facilities, improved orbital rail links in Inner London and a new Thames river crossing in east London
TfL has been working to deliver several key projects in accordance with this priority, as follows:
Crossrail
The Crossrail Bill had a second successful Parliamentary reading and was formally referred to a government select committee. This select committee first met in January 2006 and its work continues.
DLR and extensions
The London City Airport extension was opened on time and on budget in December 2005. Construction is now underway on a further extension under the Thames to Woolwich Arsenal, with a projected completion date of early 2009. Transport and Works Act approval for the proposed extension to Stratford International was submitted in August 2005. Powers have been obtained to enhance capacity between Bank/Tower Gateway and Lewisham by increasing the length of trains from two to three cars. This will require works to lengthen station platforms, strengthen viaducts and bridges and provide new rolling stock. Completion is expected in 2009.
East London Line
Work is currently underway on the first phase of the project, which will link West Croydon to Dalston Junction. It has an estimated completion date of June 2010.
Thames Gateway Bridge
The public inquiry into the bridge that will link Beckton and Thamesmead began in June 2005 and concluded in May 2006. Subject to a decision by the Secretaries of State, the bridge is scheduled to open around 2013.
Cross River Tram
Work is progressing on possible route options and the public will be consulted on them during the second half of 2006.
Tramlink extensions
An outline business case has been developed for the Crystal Palace Tramlink extension. Public consultation on the alignment options is scheduled to take place in late 2006.
West London Tram
TfL has continued the development of the West London Tram, with work focusing on the detailed modelling required to support the design of this complex scheme. The design is being finalised ahead of a Transport and Works Act application, subject to the agreement of the TfL Board.
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Priority F
Improving journey time reliability for car users, which will particularly benefit Outer London, where car use dominates, while reducing car dependency by increasing travel choice
TfL has an ongoing commitment to relieving congestion and aims to improve journey time reliability for car drivers and other road users throughout London (see Priority A).
During 2005/06, TfL spent £162m towards funding the boroughs' transport initiatives through the BSP process. TfL also continues to work closely with all stakeholders - including boroughs, schools and businesses - to raise travel awareness and encourage modal shift.
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Priority G
Supporting local initiatives including improved access to town centres, regeneration, walking and cycling, Safer Roads to School, road safety improvements, better maintenance of roads/bridges and improved co-ordination of street works
Initiatives supporting this priority include:
- The installation of 4,500 new cycle parking spaces on streets, at schools and at railway stations across London
- The new, 24-hour, fully staffed cycle park at Finsbury Park station, the first to be opened in the UK
- The installation of another 70km of London Cycle Network plus (LCN+) routes, bringing their total length to 500km
- The completion of the 78-mile Capital Rings strategic walking route linking parks, commons and other open spaces in Central and Inner London
- A continuing programme of road safety initiatives including the publication of 'The A-Z of Traffic Tales' book, aimed at four- to seven-year-olds; the award-winning 'Don't Die Before You've Lived' advertising campaign; and the introduction of 20mph zones in residential areas
- Developing a scheme to improve the A406 North Circular Road between Bounds Green Road and Green Lanes, which will bring real benefits to local residents and road users
- Work via the TfL-Boroughs Joined-Up Working Group to develop collaborative procurement and contracts for road schemes/construction, road markings, high-friction surfacing, signs, and producing London-wide specifications to replace the 34 specifications currently in use
- The London street works website, run by TfL on behalf of the ALG, has proved effective at fostering dialogue among those responsible for managing and maintaining London's streets
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Priority H
Making the distribution of goods and services in London more reliable, sustainable and efficient while minimising negative environmental impacts
TfL's new Freight Unit is promoting the sustainable transport of freight and waste, and will produce the London Freight Plan by the end of 2006.
The London Construction Consolidation Centre (LCCC) in South Bermondsey was opened in March 2006. This will ensure more efficient and reliable handling and distribution of freight while making the process more environmentally friendly. Deliveries, which would normally go straight to site at the rate of up to 100 per day towards the end of a major project, now come to the LCCC instead.A single vehicle then transfers only the required amount of material for that day's work to the site at an agreed time.
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Priority I
Improving the accessibility of London's transport system so that everyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy other benefits of living in, working in and visiting the Capital, thus improving social inclusion
TfL remains committed to making London's transport infrastructure accessible to all residents and visitors, and 2005/06 has seen further improvements to the network.
These improvements include:
- All London's 8,200 buses have been accessible to those with reduced mobility since December 2005, except on the two heritage routes
- On the Underground, further progress was made towards introducing step-free access at stations. Forty-seven stations now have step-free access from street to platform and work is underway to deliver further access improvements to stations across the LU network
- The 'Out and About in London' guide, produced by TfL, was published in November 2005. It gives people with learning difficulties as well as their carers help and advice on how to use public transport in the Capital
Following in-depth consultation on their design, 33 new Dial-a-Ride vehicles were launched in May 2005. By the end of March 2006, there were a further 113 in service. These vehicles have been custom-built to give passengers a far greater level of comfort and safety. They will improve the quality of transport service TfL can offer disabled people in London.
TfL submitted a number of recommendations during a DfT consultation Railways for All, to secure accessbility improvements for rail passengers in London and to ensure that their needs are met. In March, the DfT announced a total of 47 stations to be included in phase one of the works, which will be completed within the next three years.
The 15 London stations included in phase one of the Railways for All programme are: Balham, Blackheath, Clapham Junction, Denmark Hill, Herne Hill, Kew Gardens, Kingston, Lewisham, New Cross Gate, Norwood Junction, Orpington, Purley, Putney, Streatham Hill and Tulse Hill.
All TfL's major projects - such as the proposed East London Line extension - will play a major role in helping to regenerate some of London's deprived areas. Similarly, the expanding bus network continues to play a key role in increasing social inclusion, as will projects such as the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge and DLR extensions, once they are completed.
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Priority J
Bringing forward new integration initiatives to: provide integrated, simple and affordable public transport fares; improve key interchanges; enhance safety and security across all means of travel; ensure that taxis and private hire vehicles are improved and fully incorporated into London's transport system; and provide much better information and waiting environments
The use of Oyster has continued to expand and over 7 million have now been issued. This uptake was encouraged by the decision to freeze Oyster fares and introduce daily price capping at the start of 2006 and this also reduced the number of cash journeys made in the Capital.
Oyster cards now pay for over 60 per cent of all single journeys on London's buses and Tubes. This helped to cut queues, journey times and travel costs while simplifying fare options.
Free bus and tram travel for under-16s has further encouraged young people to use public transport, improving their access to education, sport and leisure opportunities. The move has also helped London's shift away from car journeys.
In partnership with the BTP, TfL has funded an additional 89 officers at Underground and rail stations. A new BTP office has been installed at Highbury & Islington station and there has been a significant investment in train and station security. Every London bus is now fitted with CCTV and 53 per cent of National Rail stations in the Capital now have new CCTV cameras and Help points.
These improvements contribute to a more secure waiting and travelling environment for passengers across London.
London Buses continues to make progress towards rolling out the iBus system. iBus will use a combination of technologies, including satellite tracking and GPRS data transfer, that will enable it to pinpoint all the city's 8,200 buses and relay information between the driver and route control.
The precision of the information means that buses along each route can be more evenly spaced, and waiting times on each bus stop display will be more accurate. iBus also includes next stop announcements. Its visual displays and voice announcements will make it much easier for visually- and hearing-impaired passengers and those with learning difficulties to use London buses. iBus will start to roll out across all London's bus garages in 2007.
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Future revisions to the MTS
There are a number of developments that will need to be reflected in any future revisions of the MTS based on the analysis of the draft revisions in the London Plan.
The forecast increase in jobs and population alongside the continuing growth of the Thames Gateway will place increasing demands on London's transport system. Looking further into the future, work is already underway to help understand some of the long-term pressures placed on the transport system by continued population and employment growth beyond 2016. TfL will continue to work closely with the GLA, sharing analysis and helping to develop policy solutions to the challenges facing London. Many of the policy issues that will demand consideration, such as land use planning, are crosscutting and extend beyond transport.
Within transport, the development of policies for optimising use of the road network and a long-term vision for integrating rail services with the rest of London's transport network is underway. Currently, TfL is working closely with other parts of the GLA group to maximise the wider benefits of transport schemes, such as the regeneration benefits delivered by the East London Line extension.
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