London transport 'carrying record numbers'

Date: 28/6/2011

The number of passengers getting around the UK capital using the public travel network is growing.

According to Transport for London (TfL), record figures of users of the network have been recorded and this will continue to rise in the future.

TfL has published its annual report, in which it notes that it is embarking on a £7.6 billion savings and efficiencies programme, of which more than half has been secured.

Looking at the year ended March 31st 2011, it shows that billions of pounds of investment were won for the transport network, despite the UK experiencing a tough economic climate.

Highlights include opening the new East London line ahead of schedule and on budget - which went on to carry 20 million individuals in its first 12 months - and rolling out the first air conditioned trains on the Underground.

In addition, five million journeys were made by people using the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, while two new dedicated bicycle routes were unveiled.

Other noteworthy events during the year include capacity being increased on the Docklands Light Railway, the removal of the western extension of the Congestion Charge zone and a review of 1,000 traffic lights across the city - which successfully led to an eight per cent reduction in waiting times at these junctions.

A large project currently taking place in the city is London's Great Outdoors, which has been designed to improve public spaces and make it easier for people to walk or cycle.

Posted by Mary Treen