What’s new in London travel?

Capital Transport campaigns on behalf of Londoners for better public transport. Their latest newsletter highlights some issues of particular interest to East Londoners.

Barking to Gospel Oak
Handrails have now been installed inside the carriages so that, at busy times, standing commuters can spread themselves throughout the carriage while still having something to hang on to.

Annual fare rise: smaller but still significant
Regulated fares, including those on the Underground, have risen by less than private sector pay in the last twelve months.  However, with public sector pay barely rising, and less affordable housing close to central London jobs, transport poverty remains on the increase.

Government announces cleaner buses initiative
A new year announcement that buses are to be retrofitted across England, funded from the Clean Bus Technology fund, includes 50 buses operated in London. Emissions from over 400 buses will be cut by up to 90%.

From the archives of the Capital Transport Campaign
•A hundred and ten years ago The first section of the Kingsway subway opens for use by single deck trams, February 1906.
•Fifty years ago The sixpenny bus fare rises by one-third and the 10d fare by 20%.  Sunday services are cut by 9%.
•Thirty years ago Cuts announced in local train services out of Paddington.
•Twenty-five years ago Red route introduced along the A1 and through the City to Whitechapel.
•Twenty years ago Rail fares in London had risen by 50% more than elsewhere in the country, over the last five years.  Bus fares had risen by twice as much.
•Ten years ago Cash fares hiked to encourage the use of Oystercards on London Underground services.  Oyster is not available on most Network Rail services, creating some interesting incentives.

•For more information about the Capital Transport campaign and/or to subscribe to their comrprehensive newsletter, email: andrewbosi@aol.com