London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, has launched celebrations to mark 25 years since Transport for London (TfL) started transforming the capital’s transport network, supporting jobs, homes and economic growth, and connecting Londoners to education, employment and leisure.
Flagship improvements over the last 25 years include the Elizabeth line – now the busiest railway service in the country, which has boosted economic growth and job creation across the UK and housing across London. Trams and the London Overground have revolutionised the rail network and the six London Overground lines have been given their own identities to make it easier for customers to navigate. The London Underground has been modernised, while the Night Tube and Night Overground services are supporting London’s nighttime economy.
TfL also pioneered the creation of pay as you go with Oyster and contactless payment and is delivering uninterrupted 4G and 5G across the network. Accessibility has also increased with more than 200 step-free stations on TfL’s network, and work is underway to increase this number for a fairer, more accessible and inclusive network.
Cycle hire and more than 400km of safe cycle paths have transformed London’s streets, while Vision Zero, the Mayor’s bold action plan to eliminate deaths on London’s roads, is working to create a safer London for all.
Work is ongoing to make London’s extensive bus and taxi network zero-emission, with 1,800 electric and hydrogen buses now in service, the largest fleet in Western Europe. The pioneering Superloop express bus service has improved connections and journey times in outer London, with plans being developed for more routes, while the Mayor’s Hopper fare is helping Londoners save money on travel. The world’s first 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone has improved air quality across the capital, while the Congestion Charge has reduced traffic in central London for more than 20 years and helped people travel more sustainably.
“London’s transport network – and the thousands of colleagues who keep London moving every day – are part of the fabric of all our lives,” said Andy Lord, “and since 2000 we have delivered momentous, positive change across the city and on our services. TfL 25 will showcase the many ways we have improved the lives of all Londoners socially, culturally, economically and environmentally, with an exciting year of activity planned for everyone to enjoy.
“We are also really excited to look ahead to the next 25 years, delivering new projects for Londoners, benefiting both the capital and the UK as a whole. Among the things we’ll be working on this year are the introduction of new DLR and Piccadilly line trains, and the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel, which will happen alongside our important work to make the network as inclusive and accessible as possible, to enable everyone to enjoy all that London has to offer.”
Pic: TfL
