Mayor of London. The Mayor s Transport Strategy Highlights

Transcription

1 Mayor of London The Mayor s Transport Strategy Highlights July 2001

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3 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 1 foreword As a great world city in the global economy, London has seen two decades of rising population and a decade of expanding economic growth and employment. However, growth has not been matched by the investment necessary to provide the public transport, affordable housing and public services that are essential for economic efficiency and the wellbeing of London s population. As a result we now face a growing crisis on London s transport system with some roads approaching gridlock and severe overcrowding, discomfort, unreliability and equipment failures on the Underground and National Rail network. The direction of all of my Mayoral strategies is to increase investment in transport, infrastructure, housing and public services to the levels necessary to accommodate London s rising population and economic activity. This approach is in line with Government policy although Government funding calculations underestimate London s growing population and therefore its investment needs. My Transport Strategy outlines the most ambitious and comprehensive plan for the expansion of transport provision that London has ever seen. It follows extensive consultation, and reflects a consensus amongst Londoners, business, commuters and other key stakeholders on an agenda for action. The Strategy reflects consideration of the views expressed during comprehensive public consultation, which demonstrated strong support for the Strategy s approach. Its realisation will require partnership with Government, London boroughs, transport operators, business and communities throughout the Capital. It makes a clear strategic choice: in central London, in particular, increasing the capacity of the transport system cannot be based upon the private car the necessary road building programme would be financially and environmentally unacceptable. The Strategy envisages the biggest expansion and improvement in public transport provision London has ever seen, on a scale necessary to meet the world city challenges of Paris, Tokyo and New York.

4 2 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy The Strategy will: increase the capacity of the Underground and rail systems by up to 40 per cent over the next ten years major new rail projects contribute two thirds of new capacity, the rest comes from rehabilitating the existing system, particularly the Underground; increase the capacity of the bus system by 40 per cent over ten years. Alongside this, the Strategy supports the principle of a central London congestion charging scheme with discounts and exemptions for key groups like disabled people and emergency services, together with a 90 per cent discount for residents within the charging zone. This, together with the Strategy s improvements in public transport, will significantly ease congestion over the next ten years, with: a 15 per cent reduction in traffic in central London; reduction of traffic growth in inner London to zero; reduction of traffic growth in outer London by a third. These reductions will benefit the environment, business and those who need to use their cars. The rehabilitation, improvement and expansion of public transport provision will overcome the public transport overcrowding, unreliability and equipment failure in central, inner and outer London. It will provide the new transport links without which the development and regeneration of key areas, such as east London, would be impossible. With a massive programme of investment in public transport now on the cards in London, it is vital that world class management is introduced to deliver value for money and the highest quality service.

5 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 3 The first step was taken by the Government in creating an elected Mayor subject to public scrutiny at the ballot box. I have taken the second step which is to assemble the best team of transport professionals in the world with proven track records of delivery to lead transport in London and deliver the transport system this city needs. Ken Livingstone Mayor of London July 2001

6 4 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Meeting the challenge As a great world city in the global economy, London has seen two decades of rising population projected to reach 8.1 million by 2016 and a decade of rising economic growth and employment. This has dramatically increased the demands on London s transport system. At the same time, investment, most notably in the case of the Underground, has failed to adequately maintain the existing transport system, let alone add vitally needed new capacity. The result has been growing traffic congestion on the roads, alongside grossly overcrowded and unreliable public transport services. Vigorous action is essential to resolve London s transport crisis. figure 1 London s resident population, Millions Actual mid-year estimate GLA 2000 projection ONS 1996 projection Source: ONS mid year population estimates ONS 1996 based population projections GLA 2000 There are a number of challenges which the Transport Strategy will tackle. Providing for economic and demographic growth by investing to deliver the necessary additional public transport capacity and reliability. Supporting London s world city functions by tackling traffic congestion, improving public transport and improving the city s international links. Promoting social inclusion and regeneration by providing the transport links and accessibility to underpin economic development.

7 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 5 Making London s streets and transport systems safer, more attractive and more comfortable. Tackling traffic congestion, improving air quality and the environment, alongside promoting healthier means of travel. The fundamental policy direction of the Transport Strategy, and all the Mayor s Strategies, is to support the investment in public infrastructure and public services, necessary to accommodate London s growing population and economic activity in a sustainable way. The Transport Strategy supports the aims of the emerging London Plan (the Mayor s Spatial Development Strategy), in promoting London s economic and social development and improving the environment. The Strategy will increase the capacity, reliability, efficiency, quality and integration of London s transport to provide the world class system the Capital needs. It aims to increase the capacity of the Underground, rail and bus systems by up to 40 per cent over the next ten years. figure 2 Employment projections Millions Year Central London Thames Gateway (including Isle of Dogs) Rest of London Source: GLA, Ove Arup and Roger Tym and Partners, 2001 Note: Includes full-time and part-time employees in employment, and self-employed. The Strategy makes transport users priorities the prime focus for those providing transport services. It promotes close partnership between the relevant agencies and transport operators to help achieve this. The Mayor has ten key transport priorities. (a) Reducing traffic congestion. (b) Overcoming the backlog of investment on the Underground so as to safely increase capacity, reduce overcrowding, and increase both reliability and frequency of services. (c) Making radical improvements to bus services across London, including increasing the bus system s capacity, improving reliability and increasing frequency of services. (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 Londonwide, high frequency turn up and go Metro service. (e) Increasing the overall capacity of London s transport system by promoting: major new cross-london rail links including improving access to international transport facilities, improved orbital rail links in inner London; and new Thames river crossings in east London.

8 6 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy (f) Improving journey time reliability for car users, which will particularly benefit outer London where car use dominates, whilst reducing car dependency by increasing travel choice. (g) Supporting local transport initiatives, including improved access to town centres and regeneration areas, walking and cycling schemes, Safer Routes to School, road safety improvements, better maintenance of roads and bridges, and improved co-ordination of streetworks. (h) Making the distribution of goods and services in London more reliable, sustainable and efficient, whilst minimising negative environmental impacts. (i) Improving the accessibility of London s transport system so that everyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy the benefits of living in, working in and visiting the Capital, thus improving social inclusion. (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 Strategy takes a targeted approach to prioritising transport improvements, addressing the diverse needs of outer, inner and central London and of areas within them. It will be progressively implemented across London over the next decade, taking account of local circumstances. The following sections highlight key points from chapter 4 of the Transport Strategy Improving London s Transport System. Fares and tickets The Strategy sets out a fares policy over the next few years that is designed to simplify and hold down fares to encourage a shift to public transport. Public transport fares rose particularly steeply during the early 1990s, as the then Government shifted more of the costs of public transport on to passengers. As a result fares on the London Underground are double those of Paris and Tokyo and about a third higher than New York and Berlin.

9 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 7 In real terms bus and Underground fares have risen by 60 per cent over the last 25 years. High fares have given an economic incentive to use cars rather than public transport, contributing to growing traffic congestion. figure 3 Travel cost trends Real prices index /5 95/6 96/7 97/8 98/9 Year TfL Headline Fares Index (average of bus and Underground) Motoring costs index (UK) Source: TfL The Strategy s key fare proposals are to: freeze bus fares for the next three years; introduce a 70p flat bus fare ahead of implementation of the proposed central London congestion charging scheme; limit Underground fare increases to the rate of inflation for the next three years; introduce Smartcards on buses and the Underground at the end of 2002, and on Docklands Light Railway and Croydon Tramlink soon after; retain the Travelcard and Freedom Pass, and develop them in Smartcard format to be simple, quick and convenient to use; simplify ticketing on buses, the Underground, the Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink, as resources allow; work with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and Train Operating Companies to develop a common, simple ticketing and fare system for National Rail in London, including use of compatible Smartcards.

10 8 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Integration measures The Strategy sets out a package of proposals to make it quicker, safer and more convenient to travel from door-to-door. In addition to simplifying and co-ordinating fares and tickets, the key priorities in achieving a more integrated transport network are: improving interchange and integrated, consistent service provision; providing clear, simple and logical journey planning and way-finding information throughout London; ensuring consistent and high standards of safety and personal security. Integration will be achieved through improved partnership and co-ordination between transport providers. In the short term, action will focus on the co-ordination of existing measures and on small scale projects across the network such as improving bus stops, existing information provision and signing at interchanges. The Underground The Underground is the core of London s public transport system and a vital public asset. It supports 3 million trips each weekday, including the journeys to work of 35 per cent of those working in central London. The Underground has suffered from years of under-investment, resulting in increasing unreliability and overcrowding. London Underground urgently needs a substantial long term programme of investment. In order to facilitate the implementation of the Strategy it is proposed that control of London Underground should be transferred to Transport for London (TfL) without further delay. The Strategy sets out priorities, including: urgently addressing unreliability and overcrowding, by tackling current unacceptable levels of train cancellations, with particular attention to the worst performing lines; increasing the total capacity of the existing network, by raising the total amount of train kilometres operated over existing lines;

11 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 9 tackling the unacceptable levels of equipment failures, with particular attention to out of service escalators and lifts; upgrading existing lines, including refurbishment and replacement of trains; improving conditions at stations and interchanges, through a costed, prioritised programme of works, addressing first those stations most in need of improvement; making the Underground more accessible to more people, by creating a core accessible network, coupled with more widespread improvements to trains and stations; addressing Londoners concerns about safety and personal security, both on the system itself and on journeys to and from Underground stations, including better integration with other forms of transport; providing new capacity, in the longer term, through proposed extensions to the network such as the east-west CrossRail, the Hackney-SouthWest Line, and extensions to the East London Line (see pages 20-23). The Commissioner of Transport for London, Mr Robert Kiley, has examined London Underground s current version of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) proposals in detail. Mr Kiley has concluded that the current PPP proposals would be poor value for money, set the wrong priorities, take too long to deliver improvements in services, and repeat the division of operations and maintenance which has proved to be a major source of problems on National Rail. The Mayor believes that his goals of improved service would best be met by the alternative programme for the rehabilitation and management of the London Underground which has been developed by the Transport Commissioner. Mr Kiley s proposals prioritise rapid improvements in basic train services and, crucially, establish the framework of unified management control, which is vital for the efficiency and safety of the Underground. The Mayor has adopted these proposals for the purposes of the Strategy.

12 10 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy The Mayor and TfL will seek to combine the best features of public sector oversight and management with the competitive drive of the private sector to rebuild and refurbish the Underground. A new partnership is needed between the Government, the Mayor and TfL to create a long term, stable financial regime to fund the Underground. The Docklands Light Railway Use of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) continues to rise. It is a significant facilitator for regeneration in Docklands, providing local access and links to the City. The DLR should consistently provide reliable, accessible and secure services to its passengers and provide for the needs of development. In particular, the Strategy proposes: a review of the capacity of the existing network in line with the emerging needs of the Docklands area; improved integration with other transport, including through ticketing and interchange initiatives; extending the benefits of station accessibility by ensuring surrounding areas and facilities are also accessible; supporting the extension of the DLR to London City Airport and exploring the potential for further extensions. Croydon Tramlink Croydon Tramlink opened in May 2000 and is a significant improvement to public transport in south London, and its use is growing steadily. The Strategy aims for Tramlink to continue to provide an attractive and reliable service, supporting the town centres it serves, and in particular: better integration with other transport services, including local transport to access Tramlink; extending the benefits to be gained through Tramlink s accessibility by ensuring surrounding areas and facilities are also accessible; exploring the potential for extending the Tramlink network to provide improvements to a wider area.

13 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 11 National Rail The National Rail network in London is a crucial part of the public transport system. However, the post-privatisation structure of the rail industry has failed to deliver a safe and efficient service. The Mayor and TfL will work with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), partners in the rail industry and others, such as the London boroughs, to deliver improvements on National Rail in London. This includes: establishing a high frequency network of turn up and go services across London with upgraded station facilities, greater integration with other transport services, fares and ticketing, and marketed as the London Metro initial stages are expected to include a number of local services in south London and some orbital rail services (see page 21); improving the quality and capacity of London s commuter services through the franchise replacement process and through investment programmes to increase capacity of the network and tackle overcrowding and unreliability; increasing and improving rail links to London s international airports and stations, particularly Heathrow and Stansted, and to Stratford and St. Pancras on completion of the second stage of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link; implementing the rail safety recommendations of recent rail inquiries; improving the security of trains, stations and station approaches; achieving better integration of the National Rail network and services with London s other public transport services, with common standards of facilities at stations, including accessibility for people with impaired mobility; helping to increase the proportion of freight travelling by rail. Many improvements require substantial investment to provide additional capacity, both on existing routes and through the expansion of the network. A balance needs to be established between the different types of services using the rail network that better meets London s needs. Developing a programme of action to address these issues in greater detail will be an important role for the first Rail Plan for London, which will be developed jointly by TfL and the SRA, by Spring 2002.

14 12 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Buses and coaches The bus network provides access to jobs and town centres in the Capital and also acts as a vital link to Underground and rail services. Every weekday 6,000 London buses carry four and a half million passengers on 500 different routes. Yet, buses are too often seen as the travel option of last resort. Chronic traffic congestion, illegal parking and the effects of streetworks make it difficult to run reliable services. Also shortages of staff often lead to cancellations and routes have often been poorly supervised. A better bus network is the key to short term progress for transport in London. In central and inner London, buses can relieve overcrowding on the Underground. In outer London, buses are the main means of public transport and will be improved to provide a real alternative to the car for more journeys. The Strategy will: expand the bus network, with new, extended and higher frequency services, and more night and weekend services; simplify fares, including introducing a flat rate 70p fare throughout London ahead of the introduction of the proposed central London congestion charging scheme; improve journey times and reliability, with more bus priority, bringing back conductors on more central London double deck services, and strict enforcement of bus lanes and parking restrictions. An early priority will be to improve radial bus routes, particularly where congestion is most severe; improve the vehicles, with more new low floor fully accessible modern buses; improve the quality of services, with new contracts that ensure services are operated more reliably; improve access to bus stops, with more convenient siting of stops, and safe and convenient crossings; improve information, with clearer timetables, local maps and more minute-by-minute service information such as Countdown signs; improve the waiting environment, with better shelters, lighting and seating; improve safety and personal security, with increasing provision of CCTV, education programmes with schools, and close working with the police.

15 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 13 As well as network-wide improvement, the Strategy targets 27 major bus corridors for particular improvement by April This radical improvement programme will be applied in due course to all London s major bus corridors. The Strategy also recognises and supports the role of coaches in providing for cost-effective travel. Victoria Coach Station provides an important facility. TfL will establish a partnership to deal with issues such as reviewing coach parking, facilities and terminals. Streets for all: improving London s roads and streets London s streets are often congested and poorly maintained; and accidents are too common. The Strategy sets priorities for action including: tackling congestion and reducing the impact of traffic; making streets safer and more secure; managing the use of streetspace more effectively; and making streets more attractive. Specific proposals include: better management of the road network, with more priority for buses, pedestrians and cyclists to help make them more attractive choices for travelling and, on main roads, providing for distribution and business needs; seeking to reduce accidents by implementing the first Londonwide Road Safety Plan and supporting initiatives such as Safer Routes to School, Home Zones and 20mph areas; better co-ordination of streetworks to reduce disruption and delays; better enforcement of traffic regulations parking, loading and bus lane controls to reduce delays and ensure the effective use of streetspace ; improving the local environment by supporting intiatives such as Streets-for-People areas, which give greater priority to the use of streets as social spaces and for public transport, walking and cycling; better maintenance to keep London s roads in good condition; a proposed congestion charging scheme in central London, to reduce congestion and improve journey times. The strategy aims to reduce the growth in traffic in London over the next ten years. In central London there will be a 15 per cent reduction in traffic, in inner London zero growth is expected, and in outer London there is likely to be a reduction in traffic growth by a third.

16 A23 A Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Congestion charging Traffic congestion affects all of London, and many of the above proposals will work together to help reduce traffic congestion Londonwide. The worst traffic congestion occurs in central London. Businesses, bus passengers, pedestrians, residents, taxis, cyclists and all road users suffer as a result. Radical measures are needed. Alongside improving public transport, the Strategy adopts the principle of a congestion charging scheme in a zone of central London. Congestion charging provides a powerful and effective means of dealing with congestion on roads within and leading to the charging zone. The Strategy proposes that Transport for London (TfL) makes a Scheme Order for a congestion charging scheme in central London. The Order will allow consultation on the detailed operation and configuration of the proposed congestion charging scheme. If the Mayor confirms the Order (with or without modifications) following consultation, the scheme should be introduced as quickly as practicable. The proposed scheme would lead to reduced congestion, improved safety, fewer delays for business traffic and buses, and a better environment. figure 4 Proposed central London congestion charging zone 4201 A5205 A41 Regents Park A501 ISLINGTON HACKNEY A1202 A10 A1208 A201 A1 CAMDEN TOWER HAMLETS A5 A4200 A40 CITY OF LONDON A4202 CITY OF WESTMINSTER Waterloo Bridge Blackfriars Bridge Southwark Bridge London Bridge Hyde Park A302 A4201 A4 A3 A1203 Green Park A4 A3211 Westminster Bridge A301 A201 A3200 SOUTHWARK A2198 A100 Tower Bridge A200 ON EA A308 A202 Lambeth Bridge LAMBETH A215 A201 A2206 A3212 Chelsea Vauxhall Bridge A3204 A2 Crown copyright

17 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 15 The proposed scheme would have the following main features: standard charge of 5 per vehicle per day; charging hours of 7am-7pm, Monday to Friday; charging zone bounded by the Inner Ring Road (which joins Euston Road, Pentonville Road, Tower Bridge, Elephant & Castle, Vauxhall Bridge and Marylebone Road). No charge would be made for driving on the Inner Ring Road only the area within it; 90 per cent discounts for residents within the charging zone; no charge for a number of classes of vehicle including many vehicles used by disabled people, motorcycles and mopeds, emergency vehicles, public service vehicles with more than 17 seats, London licensed taxis, and certain environmentally friendly vehicles. It has been calculated that this scheme would reduce traffic by per cent within the charging zone, significantly improving journey times and reliability and offering scope for improving the environment of central London. Other measures would be introduced to improve public transport and other alternatives to the car prior to and alongside its introduction. Steps would also be taken to take account of changed traffic patterns. The money raised by a charging scheme must by law be spent on improvements to transport in Greater London for at least 10 years. It is estimated that the proposed scheme could raise some 200m per year which would contribute significantly to improving London s public transport system, thereby further reducing traffic congestion as more people shift from using cars. Car users Car trips account for half of all weekday journeys by vehicle in London. The Strategy systematically promotes improving public transport as an alternative to the car. The car will, however, continue to play an important role, particularly in outer London. The Strategy outlines plans to improve public transport, walking and cycling to provide real alternatives to car travel. It also contains a range of measures to improve conditions for the car user including: reductions in traffic congestion; improved information for drivers; a road safety plan to reduce accidents.

18 16 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Walking The Strategy vigorously promotes walking and contains proposals to make walking safer, more convenient and more attractive including: delivering better conditions for pedestrians, such as improved pedestrian crossings; better maintained footways and improvements to make streets more accessible to pedestrians; new pedestrian routes across central London, north-south and east-west, and part pedestrianisation of Trafalgar Square. Cycling The Strategy strongly supports the encouragement of cycling in London. The level of cycling in London is currently very low compared with many other European cities. The Strategy proposes a number of measures to encourage cycling including: establishing a Cycling Centre of Excellence to develop best practice, improve safety and promote action to help cyclists; completing the London Cycle Network to a consistent, high standard; developing extended high quality cycle routes; introducing more, secure cycle parking. Freight, delivery and servicing Achieving efficient and sustainable delivery of goods and services is a major challenge for London s transport networks. The Strategy aims to meet the distribution needs of business as efficiently as possible whilst minimising negative environmental impacts. The Strategy will help facilitate a progressive shift from road to rail and water, where this is economic and practical. The Strategy proposes two additional mechanisms to help develop and implement proposals: a London Sustainable Distribution Partnership and sub-regional or local Freight Quality Partnerships. Both are expected to take forward issues such as: reviewing loading and unloading restrictions; allocating road space both in terms of non-car lanes and dedicated loading/unloading provision; catering for servicing on-street and new means of delivery both areas that may be suitable for innovation and pilot schemes; reviewing the London Lorry Ban exempt network and access routes to it;

19 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 17 more environmentally friendly means of distribution including cleaner and quieter vehicle technologies, and quieter freight, distribution and waste operations; reviewing overnight parking provision off-street; the requirements of rail freight and particularly those necessary to bring about the substantial increase in rail freight sought by Government and the SRA, and supported by the Strategy; how to make greater use of London s waterways for freight. International transport Effective links to Europe and the rest of the world are vital to London s role as a great world city and the financial capital of Europe. Although the Mayor has no direct control over airports or international rail services, he does influence the provision of infrastructure for international transport links. The Mayor wants better international links for London, whilst seeking to minimise negative environmental impacts. The Strategy backs projects to provide efficient and environmentally sustainable public transport to airports and international rail termini. In particular, the Strategy envisages that the planned CrossRail scheme will provide a direct rail link between the City and Heathrow Airport. The Mayor believes that the rail system's potential for international services should be maximised and therefore supports the early implementation of Phase Two of the high speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link into London. The River Thames and other waterways The River Thames provides a relatively under-used east to west artery through London. About three million passengers per year use the Thames, mainly for leisure travel. A Travelcard discount scheme has recently been introduced to encourage further use. The Thames is increasingly used for the transport of bulky goods, and currently accounts for about 10 per cent of all freight moved in London by weight. Increasing this proportion could benefit the environment. It is proposed to: explore options for extending passenger use of the Thames; identify options for increasing freight use of the Thames and other waterways.

20 18 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Taxis and private hire vehicles Taxis and private hire vehicles (which include minicabs, chauffeur and executive services) are a vital part of London s transport system, enabling door-to-door journeys to be made relatively easily and linking up other public transport modes. In both the short and long term, the Strategy aims are to improve public safety and ensure that the public can travel by taxi or minicab when they wish, to whichever London destination they choose. Proposed changes include: improving availability so that taxis are available when they are wanted to take people where they want to go, with proposals to encourage more taxis to operate in the evenings and at night, and to better serve areas outside central London; proposals to improve safety and personal security; improving air quality through reduced vehicle emissions; implementing private hire operator, driver and vehicle licensing, in particular to ensure good quality and safety standards; reviewing the taxi Knowledge to encourage a more efficient and equitable process; improving equal opportunities; developing more effective methods for dealing with illegal touting for passengers. Accessible transport There are many people who are prevented from easily using the transport system because of its physical constraints and barriers, and the way it is operated. This can have a major effect on people s quality of life. It is estimated that there are at least half a million people in London who find it difficult or impossible to use public transport. This includes disabled people, and people travelling with children, or simply encumbered with heavy luggage or shopping. There is enormous scope and opportunity to improve the accessibility of public transport. There also needs to be improvement to door-todoor services, such as Dial-a-Ride, Taxicard and community transport. The Strategy aims to improve access across the full range of transport services, with the involvement of disabled people, and with all

21 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 19 organisations responsible for transport co-operating with each other, taking account of the following principles: recognising there are many barriers that affect people with mobility impairment, and also those with sensory or learning disabilities; recognising a range of solutions may be needed, as individuals and groups have varying needs; including all aspects of travel; ensuring that improving access is a concern for all who plan, provide and operate London s transport services. The Strategy includes an Accessibility Action Plan with timetabled proposals to comprehensively improve the accessibility of transport in London covering the public transport system, the streets, and doorto-door transport, including seeking to: enable greater user involvement, with mobility forums; ensure that transport staff have disability equality training; improve the street environment, by removing barriers and obstructions, providing surface level crossings with tactile paving and signals, and prioritising parking for disabled people; accelerate the introduction of low floor accessible buses; improve the design of bus stops, making it easier to get on and off buses; develop an initial core network of accessible stations on the Underground and National Rail networks; improve the availability and integration of door-to-door services; have fair and equitable eligibility and entitlement criteria for door-to-door services; provide comprehensive information, in a range of accessible formats, about all transport services in London; ensure the effective operation and enforcement of a reputable Blue Badge parking concession scheme, and review the separate central London parking concession schemes.

22 20 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Major projects If there is to be a real change in the quality of travel in London, the public transport system needs to be substantially expanded. This means bringing forward the construction of new, large scale rail infrastructure that will provide opportunities for new and quicker journeys in many parts of London, relieve overcrowding, improve access to Heathrow, and open up access to key regeneration areas. Three new cross-london rail links are proposed: Thameslink 2000, increasing rail capacity across the central area and directly linking many areas north and south of the Thames. CrossRail, providing substantially increased capacity into and across central London, tackling overcrowding at Liverpool Street and Paddington mainline termini, linking the City and West End to Heathrow and assisting economic development in east London. Hackney SouthWest Line, providing further rail capacity across central London and providing rail access to areas currently unserved and to major regeneration areas such as Thames Gateway and the Lee Valley. The Strategy also puts forward a number of other schemes, which include: Improved orbital rail links The East London Line extensions, to the north and south, serving many areas in need of regeneration with more frequent services and providing access further afield by linking into the National Rail network. OrbiRail, a network of higher frequency orbital services based on the North, South, East and West London Lines and the Gospel Oak Barking Line but spreading out to serve areas throughout London. Support for improvements to the West London Line, with a more frequent local passenger service and additional stations to serve new development.

23 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 21 New Thames river crossings in east London to assist regeneration In indicative priority order these are: A rail crossing at Woolwich, either by further extending the Docklands Light Railway beyond London City Airport or by extending the North London Line to link to the North Kent Line. A local road bridge between Barking and Thamesmead that would have dedicated lanes for public transport. A road bridge or tunnel between North Greenwich and Silvertown, with particular emphasis on local traffic and providing access to regeneration sites. New intermediate mode schemes Currently four proposals for tram or bus transit have been identified: East London Transit, a bus based network between Barkingside, Rainham, Harold Hill, Collier Row and Elm Park. Greenwich Waterfront, a bus or tram based proposal extending to Abbey Wood. Uxbridge Road, a bus or tram based proposal from Uxbridge to Shepherd s Bush. Cross River Transit a bus or tram based proposal from Peckham across central London to Camden, including the linking of Waterloo, Euston and Kings Cross.

24 22 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy figure 5 Provisional phasing of major projects Thameslink East London Line Extensions First Intermediate Modes Scheme CrossRail Hackney-SouthWest Line Thames River Crossings Timing to be determined Key Design and consultation Construction Projected opening date Many of the schemes proposed in the Strategy will need to go through statutory processes to determine and approve their detail. The programme of new schemes, and the pace of progress, depends on the availability of funding. There are also other studies, and smaller scale programmes for improving London s transport networks, which will be considered. Making it happen: a programme of action The Strategy is the first step in building a common vision and commitment to transforming transport in London. It seeks to transform transport in the Capital over the next ten years. The Strategy will be delivered in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, the boroughs and businesses. Implementation of the Strategy will be closely monitored to ensure progress is maintained. The pace and extent of delivery will be closely linked to levels of funding. The Government s proposed future levels of funding for transport in London were outlined in their 10 Year Plan for Transport. However, London s population is growing significantly faster than was assumed in the 10 Year Plan, and this is projected to continue, increasing the Capital s transport needs. London makes a large annual net contribution of 20 billion to the UK economy, but too little has been invested in its transport system. The resulting transport problems are threatening the economic vitality of London and hence also the UK.

25 The Mayor s Transport Strategy Greater London Authority 23 The Strategy sets out an ambitious but achievable programme to improve reliability and enhance capacity to meet growing needs, and transform London s present inadequate transport system into one that is world class. On current Government funding plans and projections of fares revenue, it is estimated that about 2 billion per annum will be available for transport operations and investment in London from 2003/4 onwards. This figure (and those below) exclude funding for the Underground, for which the Government has promised separate provision. The Strategy seeks additional funding to implement its proposed programme of improvements as quickly as practicable. This would be up to 500 million per annum by 2006/7, falling to up to 350 million per annum by 2010/11. The estimated 200 million per annum net revenue from the proposed central London congestion charging scheme would reduce these figures to 300 million and 150 million respectively. Should the proposed additional funding not be available, the pace of implementation of the Strategy will be slowed, to reduce costs as necessary. London s new democratic government and the role of the executive Mayor provides the leadership needed to transform the Capital s currently inadequate transport network into a world class system. This is needed to sustain and carry London forward as a great world city. The Mayor will use his democratic mandate to drive forward implementation of the Strategy to achieve the tangible results that London requires and expects.

26 24 Greater London Authority The Mayor s Transport Strategy Transport Strategy publications available: Full Strategy Standard print 10 CD 2.35 inc VAT Braille 10 Audio cassette 10 Executive Summary and Accessibility Action Plan (available free of charge) Standard print Bengali Large print Chinese Easy English Greek Braille Gujerati Audio cassette Hindi Punjabi Turkish Urdu Highlights (available free of charge) Standard print Large print Easy English Braille Audio cassette Bengali Chinese Greek Gujerati Hindi Punjabi Turkish Urdu To request copies of any of the above please contact GLA Publications: Telephone: Facsimile: The full Strategy and Highlights documents can be viewed and downloaded from the GLA website at Major libraries across London also have copies of the full Strategy.

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