Mayor’s Transport Strategy published
Transport for All
On May 10th, the Mayor published his new Transport...
On May 10th, the Mayor published his new Transport Strategy, which sets out his vision for transport in London to 2031 and replaces the 2001 Strategy.
The MTS, and a separate Executive Summary, are available on the web at: http://www.london.gov.uk/publication/mayors-transport-strategy
The MTS is the principal policy tool through which the Mayor and TfL exercise their responsibilities for the planning, management and development of transport in London. It has been subject to two phases of statutory consultation: firstly with the Assembly & Functional Bodies (May-July 2009) and then with the public and stakeholders (October 2009- January 2010). More than 5,500 responses were received from the public and 151 from stakeholders.
TfL has prepared a Report to the Mayor on the consultation process and the responses received, including its recommendations for changes to the draft MTS, and this may be downloaded from: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/transport/vision
Transport for All submitted an 18 page document in response to the proposed strategy.
One of our main recommendations was the need for the Mayor and TfL to engage in regular and genuine consultation with disabled Londoners on transport matters.
There were parts of the MTS that we support such as plans in section 425 to support travel mentoring. Though we requested that extra funding and resources are provided for this useful confidence building scheme.
However, TfA was very disappointed and concerned that plans to create a ‘step free foundation network’ of stations has been axed. The tube remains the fastest way to travel around London – yet it is out of bounds for many disabled and older people who have mobility impairments in particular.
We also suggested that the Mayor invests in a high profile publicity campaign across the transport network re-enforcing the fact that disabled and older people have the right to travel on public transport with the same freedom and choice as non-disabled people. We believe this would make a valuable contribution in the cultural shift that is needed to tackle disabilism, ageism and prejudice on the transport network.
Read our response in full here: MTS response
