Mayor sets out the Way to Go

Press Release

Mayor sets out the Way to Go
5-11-2008 565

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today launched ‘Way to Go’, his vision of transport in the capital. In a candid and personal paper he recognises the effects that public transport, both good and bad, can have on people’s quality of life, and outlines how he intends to improve the network for all Londoners.

In ‘Way to Go’ the Mayor argues that, despite real achievements such as the expansion of the bus fleet, the rise in cycling numbers, and the popular concessionary travel schemes, huge transport challenges still remain. Packed trains, clogged streets, and roads where cyclists take their lives into their own hands, all hamper Londoners quality of life, but will be improved through a series of measures that the Mayor sets out, including:

Pressing on with the big infrastructure investments vital to London’s future competitiveness, including Crossrail, which will boost the capacity of the transport network by 10 per cent, and the huge programme of improvements to the Tube, which will see a 30 per cent capacity increase on the network, along with air conditioned trains on several lines.
Improving the journeys of rail passengers through the continued development of the London Overground network to form an orbital rail equivalent to the M25, and the roll-out of Oyster across the private rail franchises.
Continued investment in policing, security, and CCTV to make the transport network safer.
Smoothing traffic flow through rephrasing traffic lights, opening the bus lanes to motorbikes, and declaring ‘war on roadworks’ - clamping down on companies that leave holes in the streets.
Stimulating London’s cycling revolution through a central London bike hire scheme, creating cycle hubs in the outer boroughs, and the creation of special dedicated cycling routes into central London.
A fair approach to all road users, including an end to the punishment of motorists when they have no alternative to the car.
Working more closely with outer London boroughs, improving orbital services, and recognising the important role of expert local knowledge.
A review of bus services to ensure that they are serving Londoners effectively, and the introduction of a new 21st century Routemaster bus with open platform, restoring the aesthetics that were lost, and enabling Londoners to hop on and off to access an improved public realm.

Mayor Boris Johnson said:

“London has some fantastic transport infrastructure, but often you get the sense that solutions have been designed around the technology, rather than around the people it is supposed to serve.

“If you start the day crammed in to a Tube carriage with a stranger’s armpit in your face, chances are it is going to get you off to a bad start. If you have to squeeze your way onto your evening bus through a crowd of swearing, fighting children, chances are you will take that stress into your evening.

“I want to improve Londoners’ quality of life and we will be investing billions in achieving this through better transport - boosting capacity on the Tube network by 30 per cent, delivering Crossrail, which will revolutionise the way we get across the city, and in a host of other measures to improve the experience of navigating the capital.

“Our guiding principle of value for money will mean that Londoners money is invested wisely on projects that deliver real results.“

ENDS

Notes to Editors

PRESS INFORMATION is available from Matt Brown on 020 7983 4716 (not for publication)

GENERAL PUBLIC/NON-MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Call the Public Liaison Unit at the Greater London Authority on 020 7983 4100

DUTY PRESS OFFICER: For out-of-hours media enquiries, please call 020 7983 4000

Download Way to Go!

This document is a precursor to the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, and although it does not form part of the formal process of consulting on the Strategy, your views and comments on these issues and ideas are invited. Comments on this document will be considered by the Mayor prior to drafting the Transport Strategy.
The consultation will last for 10 weeks and close on Friday 16 January 2009. Comments should be sent either by post to:

Way to Go!

Post Point 22, FREEPOST LON15799,
City Hall,
The Queen’s Walk,
London SE1 2BR

Or by email to: waytogo@london.gov.uk