Forum Brief: Investment in transport

An early day motion put forward in the Commons by Labour MP Barry Gardiner has stated that Transport for London's funding is currently set to fall by £200 million in 2005/06.

It also "notes that many groups, including the elderly and those on lower incomes, are dependent on public transport in London; notes that public transport plays a crucial role in connecting people with jobs;...and further recognises the need to increase investment to enable the delivery of essential transport improvements to meet the transport needs of a growing city."

Forum Response: Transport for London

A spokesperson for TFL said that: "Current predictions are that by 2016 demand for public transport in London will have increased by around two million journeys per day. This demand will come from the 800,000 extra residents and an expanding London economy that will create a further 636,000 jobs , many of which will be in the City.

"Without the new investment necessary to maximise the existing network and accommodate London's growth, the capital will experience a severe and rapid deterioration in its transport system. Increased overcrowding will create a vicious circle of longer waiting times at tube stations, further reducing capacity. Above ground, bus reliability will be undermined by increasingly acute traffic congestion, adding to the pressures on the tube and rail networks.

"Continued investment in transport improvements in London is the only  plausible way that rising demand can be supported by an increase in capacity. Increased funding will allow TfL to deliver improvements in  capacity in the short term (primarily on the bus network) and take forward  the major projects that will increase capacity in the longer term and help open up new areas."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesperson for the Institute of Directors, said: "A decent transport infrastructure is absolutely vital for the economic wellbeing of the capital. London represents a significant proportion of the UK's GDP, if it is to maintain its competitive edge it needs a fully integrated and functioning transport system. Increased investment is essential."