Caroline Russell warns Mayor TfL plan could fail
Caroline Russell AM has warned the Mayor that unless he reduces traffic his new TfL business plan could fail.
The Mayor plans to boost TfL’s finances by getting fare-payers back onto buses. But the plan does not include a target for traffic reduction.
With less space on the roads thanks to new measures for walking and cycling, buses will be stuck in traffic unless the number of cars goes down.
Caroline said
“This plan just doesn’t add up. TfL has planned for the same amount of car driving trips every year from now until 2021 – 2.2 billion journeys per year.”
“With buses having to compete for space with this many cars, the Mayor will struggle to attract more bus passengers and get his transport budget to balance.”
“As long as the roads remain clogged up with cars, buses will remain slow and unappealing.”
“The Mayor must set a bold target for reducing traffic over his term of office.”
Related documents
Passenger Journey Analysis
Notes to editors
Transport for London’s analysis of passenger journeys over the course of the Mayor’s transport business plan (page 30, http://content.tfl.gov.uk/board-20161215-item09-tfl-business-plan.pdf)
“To achieve our milestones we must increase the use of public transport in the short run, primarily by attracting customers back to the bus service.” (page 27, http://content.tfl.gov.uk/board-20161215-item09-tfl-business-plan.pdf)
“Over the first two quarters of 2016/17, the number of fare-paying bus passengers was five per cent down on last year. We must attract customers back on to our buses with a more reliable and affordable service, and by moderating the volume of roadworks. This is vital because fares income represents, proportionately, a greater slice of total income over the coming years as the general grant from central Government is reduced to zero.” (page 34, http://content.tfl.gov.uk/board-20161215-item09-tfl-business-plan.pdf)