TfL briefing: A new era for London’s transport

On Thursday 16 June, we welcomed TfL Deputy Commissioner, Gareth Powell to meet our members and discuss the latest plans for London’s transport.

Having opened on 24 May 2022, the Elizabeth line has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of customers throughout London. The new railway, which is supporting faster journeys across London, as well as new jobs and a boost to economic growth throughout the country, is a game-changer for travel in London.

The Elizabeth line is expected to carry 200 million journeys a year, but is being in delivered in stages. By autumn this year, phase two will be complete and allowing passengers from East and West to journey directly into the centre of town. Bond Street station will open in Autumn this year, and by summer next year, the full line will be connected. The night tube will also be reintroduced later this summer.

Following the pandemic, there has been a clear change in journey patterns. TfL are currently seeing a 69% on average demand for the tube compared to pre-pandemic levels and 87% demand for the bus.

With the increase in hybrid working, there is a now a record level of local travel and a record levels of cycling. TfL are working to accommodate this pattern shift and are holding a consultation for bus services.

Gareth was clear in that TfL will not stop in investment in London’s infrastructure once the Elizabeth Line is open. With the user statistics on the rise, “it’s important that we sustain this growth, and don’t peak”.

Also introduced was TfL’s Four Lines Modernisation scheme, a single combined and integrated project to improve track and infrastructure along the Circle, Hammersmith & City, District and Metropolitan lines. The Docklands Light Railway will also begin its improvements works.

“All these changes are fundamental to ensuring that transport is not a barrier but an enabler.”

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