Transport for London recently released a report on progress towards achieving Mayor Sadiq Khan’s transport goals. The report provides some encouraging information but also reveals a concerning trend. Despite hopes for a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation post-pandemic, the mode share of different travel methods in 2023 remained similar to that of 2019.
In 2019, private transport accounted for 36% of trips, public transport for 35%, walking for 25%, and cycling for 3.6%. In 2023, these percentages were almost the same, with private transport at 36%, public transport at 34%, walking at 26%, and cycling at 4.6%. This lack of significant change indicates that the pandemic did not lead to a lasting shift in travel behavior.
One of the Mayor’s key goals is for 80% of all trips in London to be made by active, efficient, and sustainable modes by 2041. The report shows progress towards this target, with 64.2% of trips falling into these categories in 2023, up from 62.3% in 2022. This increase is largely attributed to a gradual recovery in public transport use.
The report also mentions a 20% rise in daily cycling stages in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating some growth in cycling. However, cycling still represents a small portion of overall travel in London. The report covers various other topics such as the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, road safety improvements, and the impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
In conclusion, the report acknowledges progress compared to the previous year but emphasizes the ambitious nature of the city’s transport goals. It also outlines three key areas for immediate action: improving bus journey times, enhancing safety measures, and continuing investment in transport infrastructure. Longer-term funding certainty is highlighted as a crucial need for the city’s transport plans to succeed.
Overall, while there have been positive developments in London’s transport system, there is still work to be done to achieve the Mayor’s ambitious targets. The full TfL report provides detailed insights into the city’s progress and challenges in the transport sector.
