Commissioner’s report

3 February 2021

1 Introduction 3

2 Safety and security 4

3 Restart and recovery 13

4 Improving transport and generating growth 18

5 Healthy Streets 26

6 Crossrail 39

7 Finance 40

Commissioner’s report 2

This paper will be considered in public

1 Introduction

This report provides a review of major I am also working with the Mayor of issues and developments since the Board London and key Government officials to meeting on 9 December. prioritise transport workers in London for the vaccine against coronavirus. My staff Unfortunately, since my last update there have worked tirelessly throughout the has been a significant rise in coronavirus pandemic to support the Capital, and I cases and, sadly, many more deaths owe it to them to ensure that I do across London and the UK. I am deeply everything I can to keep them safe while saddened that 67 of our colleagues have doing their job. now tragically passed away due to coronavirus. Their families and loved ones We also continue to work with our remain in our thoughts and we remain policing partners to enforce the use of committed to offering them all the face coverings on our network, and play support they need during this incredibly our part in keeping the network safe. difficult time. On 15 January, we published our Financial As a result of the latest lockdown Sustainability Plan which sets out how measures that came into effect on 6 our finances can be placed on a January, we have changed and stepped up sustainable footing following the our customer messaging to remind catastrophic impact of the pandemic. It is people that they must only travel for also the starting point for discussions essential journeys, remain local, consider with the Department for Transport (DfT) reducing the number of journeys they on what financial support we will require need to make and walk or cycle where over the coming years. In addition, the possible. plan makes clear how we can contribute to wider Mayoral and Government I understand these are unsettling times objectives around a green recovery, for many people, and I want to reassure accelerating the decarbonisation agenda, customers who need to access our improving air quality and supporting an services that we continue to do extensive supply chain across the country. everything we can to operate as many As Commissioner, my priority is to steer services as possible and ensure our this organisation through the pandemic network remains safe. Over the last four and to secure our long-term financial months, experts from Imperial College future. My team and I remain committed London have been independently testing to reaching a mutually agreeable deal our Tube and bus network for coronavirus with the Government, which benefits not on a monthly basis. To date, every test only London but the entire UK. has come back negative, showing that our extensive cleaning regime is working and helping to keep the network safe for those who need it most.

Commissioner’s Report 3

2 Safety and security

Deaths in service more vulnerable employees and enable We are doing everything we can to them to return to work, where possible. support the families of the 67 colleagues who have died from coronavirus, and will In line with the latest Government advice, continue to do so. Our Employee Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Assistance Programme is available to all employees are not expected to come to employees and their dependents and work and, if they cannot work from home, provides support, guidance and they should not work. information on a range of topics, including bereavement. The programme also gives We will, of course, continue to review this access to support from a qualified and follow Government advice to ensure counsellor via a 24/7 telephone service. our most vulnerable people are Bereavement support is also extended to protected. families of the deceased via our Sarah Hope Line. COVID-19 vaccine Phase one of the vaccination programme Research into bus driver deaths due to aims to reduce mortality rates and COVID-19 support the country’s health and social Phase two of the research, which is being care systems. The vaccine is being offered undertaken by University College London, first to vulnerable groups, such as older is still under way. The bus driver survey people, and those in the Clinically has now closed, with almost 4,000 Extremely Vulnerable group, and frontline surveys completed. The findings of this health and social care workers. research phase are expected to be published in early spring 2021. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has asked the Department Vulnerable colleague risk assessments of Health and Social Care to consider A working group was set up at the occupational prioritisation in the next beginning of the pandemic to address the phase of vaccination, for those whose job effects on colleagues more at risk from puts them at increased risk of exposure to coronavirus. We continue to put the virus – this would include transport contingencies in place to protect these workers. vulnerable groups, and are offering support to the individuals affected and Rapid COVID-19 testing pilot their line managers in making informed On 2 December, we started a pilot of decisions critical to their health, safety rapid COVID-19 testing of volunteer and wellbeing. employees in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Care. We By 13 January, our Occupational Health opened three sites across our network to and Wellbeing team had received more carry out this testing, two in King’s Cross than 2,700 COVID-Age risk self- Underground station (in the employee assessments. This helps us identify our training area and the visitors centre) and a third at Pier Walk in North Greenwich.

Commissioner’s Report 4 We continue to enforce the wearing of face coverings on our services with our policing partners

The rapid tests use lateral flow Face covering enforcement on the technology and provide results within 30 network minutes. This work will help to reduce risk Our Transport and Support Enforcement of transmission in the workplace and is (TSE) officers continue to enforce the being used in conjunction with more mandatory wearing of face coverings on general Public Health England and all public transport modes, except for Government advice such as ‘hands, face, passengers with a valid exemption, using space’, and enhanced cleaning across our powers under the Health Protection network and buildings. (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations As of 22 January, a total of 1,854 tests 2020. This work is being led by the have been undertaken with 28 employees Compliance, Policing and On-Street testing positive for coronavirus. Services (CPOS) team, with support from our policing partners. Imperial College London sampling Scientists from Imperial College London In preparation for the festive period, we have continued to periodically sample our brought in additional TSE officers and Tube and bus network for traces of policing resources to help with coronavirus. For the fourth month in a enforcement at the busiest times across row, none of the air and surface samples the network. Deployments have taken have revealed any traces of the virus in place across our buses, Tram, London detectable quantities on the network. Overground, Dockland Light Railway (DLR) Further testing aims to extend the scope and London Underground (LU) services. of the testing on customer-facing parts of the network and include staff-only areas. Passenger compliance remains very high in general, particularly during peak travel

Commissioner’s report 5 times. Customer research findings show as well as other networks across the that 90 per cent of customers say they are country. We have made significant wearing a face covering at all times while progress to implement these using our transport services, six per cent recommendations by working closely are wearing it on some journeys, and four with all parties concerned, including the per cent are not wearing a face covering at RAIB, Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Light all. Of those not wearing a face covering Rail Safety and Standards Board, and the at all while using public transport or just wider UK tram industry. on some journeys, around three quarters claim to have an exemption or valid All recommendations have now been reason for not complying. actioned and implemented following the recent fitting and introduction of the new Up until 25 January 2021, we have engaged Physical Prevention of Over Speeding with 134,085 passengers, 9,618 have been system on all 35 trams. This system will refused travel and we have issued 1,902 automatically apply the brakes and bring a Fixed Penalty Notices. A total of 738 of moving tram to a controlled stop if it these have been paid within 14 days (at a exceeds the speed limit at designated charge of £100) and 27 were paid within 28 locations. days (at a charge of £200). Where these remain unpaid, we continue to prosecute Following the announcement of the most the offender, where appropriate. recent national lockdown, the Sandilands inquests are currently adjourned although On 7 December, 50 cases were listed in the Senior Coroner has relisted them to court, with seven defendants pleading commence on 17 May 2021. A pre-inquest guilty to the offence of not wearing a face review hearing is taking place on 28 covering, resulting in fines ranging from January 2021, with a further pre-inquest £0 (Conditional Discharge) to £276 review hearing to take place towards the (amount dependent on the individuals’ end of March. circumstances, which the court needs to take into consideration). Of those fifty The victims and all others affected by this cases, thirty-nine defendants had their incident remain in our thoughts. We case proved in their absence due to not continue to offer support to those people responding to the court summons. This directly affected as well as the wider resulted in a fine of £660 each. community.

On 25 January, 82 cases were listed in Incidents of note on the tram network court, with nine defendants pleading As mentioned in my update to the Board guilty to the offence of not wearing a face in December, we note with concern that covering, resulting in fines ranging from there have been three operational £66 to £230. Of those 82 cases, 69 incidents across the tram network in a defendants had their case proved in their short period of time. These took place on absence. This resulted in a fine of £660 5 August 2020, 14 September 2020 and 21 each. October 2020, and all have been reported to the ORR. While none of these instances Croydon tram overturning resulted in injury or harm to our staff or The Rail Accident Investigation Branch customers, they are being taken very (RAIB) conducted an independent seriously. investigation into the tragic tram overturning at Sandilands in November We are in regular dialogue with the ORR 2016, and published its report in December with regards to jointly working through 2017. the incidents with Tram Operations Limited (TOL), a subsidiary of FirstGroup, It included 15 recommendations to who operate the tram service under a 30 address safety on London's tram network, year contract, to ensure no further

Commissioner’s report 6 incidents occur in future and appropriate December, our policing partners reporting to TfL and the ORR is conducted an operation at Stratford Tube undertaken. A joint System Safety station using knife arches and plain Improvement Plan will be produced and clothes officers. During this operation, presented to the ORR by 31 March 2021. two men were arrested, both in possession of drugs and one with a large A full paper on this will be shared with hunting knife. the next meeting of our Safety, Sustainability & Human Resources panel Work-related violence and aggression on 10 February. We take workplace violence extremely seriously and continue to encourage staff Crime and anti-social behaviour on to report any instance of abuse. On 21 public transport December, we launched new messaging, Throughout the months of December and as part of our existing staff abuse and January, the Metropolitan Police Service anti-social behaviour campaign, to (MPS) and the British Transport Police reiterate our zero-tolerance approach to (BTP) concentrated on face covering work violence and aggression. enforcement and warnings, working closely with our TSE officers to enforce The campaign reinforces our commitment regulations at transport hubs. to tackle workplace violence against our staff promptly, and to further encourage The BTP continues to prioritise ‘Operation staff to report instances of abuse, Viking,’ which focusses on areas of the whether physical or non-physical. The network with an increased risk of violence campaign has been featured on digital or robbery. Areas are prioritised through sites and printed poster spaces in bus and an intelligence and evidence-based Tube stations. It adopts a powerful tasking process. Although incidents on the message, making it clear that we will not network remain low, we are clear that tolerate any abuse towards our staff and crime and anti-social behaviour will not we will always push for maximum be tolerated on our network. As such, a penalties for those who do so. dynamic approach has been implemented to target robbery offences, which uses Delivery of body-worn cameras to patrols and hot spot location deployment frontline colleagues at greatest risk of based on daily intelligence analysis. An work-related violence and aggression is example of this type of targeted also on track. As of 26 January 2021, more deployment linked a series of robbery than 5,500 colleagues across 239 sites in offences on the Piccadilly line. Officers LU, CPOS, bus stations and Victoria Coach were redeployed from prior Station now have access to a body-worn commitments and two of the outstanding camera. This will increase to more than robbery suspects were arrested (along 6,000 colleagues across 300 sites by 31 with five others for a variety of offences March this year. We are also reviewing the including carrying offensive weapons, possible roll out of body-worn cameras possession of drugs with intent to supply to other frontline colleagues. and illegal entry to the UK). A suspect for a snatch theft was also arrested on 28 Tackling hate crime December at Euston station, after the On 20 January, we worked with the MPS suspect stole a nurse’s bag. and BTP on our ongoing efforts to tackle hate crime through a one-day event that Action has also been taken to tackle knife took place over social media due to the crime through deployments which entail a pandemic. This event focused on large number of officers across a range of addressing anti-Semitism and raising police specialisms attending Tube stations awareness of hate crime in general, to reassure customers and identify and including how to report it amongst our target offenders. On the 18, 22 and 30 customers. This activity reinforces the

Commissioner’s report 7 messaging from the National Hate Crime driving offences that puts road users at Awareness week that we held in October risk. The below highlights some of the last year. priority offences that the MPS have dealt with throughout the last year. Officers Police activity to support Vision Zero issued Traffic Offence Reports to: The MPS continues to support the Mayor’s Vision Zero target to eliminate all • 3,088 drivers for driving without due deaths and serious injuries from London’s care and attention roads by 2041, through a number of • 3,822 drivers for using a mobile phone initiatives aimed at making the Capital’s while driving roads safer. • 21,296 drivers for insurance offences • 8,564 drivers and passengers for In line with the month-long National seatbelt offences Police Chiefs’ Council campaign, the MPS’s Roads and Transport Policing MPS officers also arrested: Command (RTPC) focused on tackling drink and drug driving during the month • 5,868 drivers for insurance offences of December. As part of the operation, • 3,303 drivers for licence offences the RTPC set up stop sites across London • 1,585 drivers for dangerous driving and carried out breath testing and • 1, 614 drivers for driving whilst engagement activity such as distributing disqualified leaflets. A total of 323 traffic offence • 11, 898 drivers for driving under the reports were issued during the month- influence of drugs and/or alcohol long campaign. • 448 drivers for driving without due care or attention Tackling speeding on the Capital’s roads remains a priority for us and our policing During January, the RTPC continued to colleagues. Speeding is the single most work towards Vision Zero by cracking important determinant of both the down on these behaviours that contribute likelihood of a collision and the severity to serious and fatal collisions on London of the outcome, and was a factor in over roads. half of all fatalities on London’s roads in 2019. TfL Vision Zero dashboard On 11 January, we launched the new Vision During 2020, when national lockdown Zero dashboard tool on our website. This restrictions were in place, the Capital saw will enable organisations and members of an increase in speeding as drivers took the public to more easily access and advantage of lower levels of traffic on interpret London’s collision data, which is London’s roads and extreme speeds of up recorded by the police. By sharing data in to 160mph were detected. Over the last this way, we can work with our partner year, the MPS dealt with almost 30,400 organisations to identify the road danger speeding drivers who were detected challenges specific to communities and through roadside speed enforcement work with London’s boroughs and activity, an increase of 150 per cent on agencies to tackle these. 2019. An additional 240,000 offences were dealt with through safety cameras. This The dashboard helps visualise our increase in activity is part of a joint action published collision statistics, plan we have with the MPS to increase complementing the data we have already levels of roadside and safety camera made publicly available. Users can now enforcement activity. easily filter the raw data based on key fields such as injury severity, location, In addition to speed enforcement, date, time and mode. New maps, charts significant activity was also undertaken to and data visualisation tools compare deal with other criminal and reckless collision data across the years and by

Commissioner’s report 8 location, making the data easier to totalling around three kilometres on our understand. road network. There are a number of other projects included in the programme The dashboard currently shows collision to introduce lower speed limits in other data from 2017 to 2019. Data from future areas of London, including: years will be added in due course, with plans for further analysis capability, • The A3 and A24 corridors, as part of the including being able to identify casualty CS7 improvement works rates by kilometre travelled. • The A3212 and A3205 corridors, as part of the CS8 improvement works In 2019, there were 25,341 reported • The A21 corridor in Lewisham town collisions on London’s streets, resulting in centre 125 people being killed and more than • The A1203 Burdett Road in Tower 26,000 being injured, 3,780 of those Hamlets seriously injured. People walking, cycling • The A503 corridor in Camden and motorcycling made up 83 per cent of • The A107 Homerton High Street all people killed or seriously injured, • The remaining Transport for London highlighting the need for urgent life- Road Network within the City of saving measures including segregated Westminster cycle lanes, 20mph speed limits, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, the removal of Work continues on our sites, with our lorry blind spots and improved teams adhering to strict social distancing motorcycle training, which all aim to measures and following Public Health protect the most vulnerable people on England advice. London’s streets. Tackling rough sleeping on our network Our data also shows that 96 people died People sleeping rough on our network are on London’s roads in 2020. Last year, 31 our most vulnerable customers, and we motorcyclists were killed on the Capital’s continue to work on safeguarding their roads – equalling the 2019 total – with 45 health and wellbeing. The Severe Weather people tragically dying while walking, and Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has continued six while cycling. These stark figures serve to provide support to those sleeping as a reminder for Londoners to drive rough on the streets where the safely and within the speed limit. This is temperature is expected to drop below especially important as there has been an freezing. The protocol triggers a pan- increase in the number of people walking London response to ensure sufficient and cycling since the pandemic started. levels of emergency accommodation are available for those who require it, when Lowering speed limits local authority capacity is reached. Our Phase two of the Lowering Speed Limits frontline teams continue to keep our programme has restarted, with the survey CPOS team updated on individuals and design work currently under way. This sleeping rough on our network and help programme will reduce the posted speed those identified gain access to SWEP limit by 10mph on more than 140km of our facilities such as shelter, food and roads in high-risk areas – including 37 support services. town centre locations across London. Where opportunities exist, we are also Over the last six months, we have integrating 20mph speed limits into social significantly improved the tools available distancing schemes delivered under the to our frontline staff for reporting rough Streetspace for London programme. sleepers. This has enabled the CPOS team to pass on detailed information to We have recently introduced 20mph outreach agencies and local authorities. speed limits on the A4202 Park Lane, A400 Reporting remains a key focus of our work Hampstead Road and A503 Euston Road, and we have established a single point of

Commissioner’s report 9 contact for each transport mode. We have providing advice and support to help build also delivered improvements to our data confidence while travelling. systems which has enabled us to continue to respond to any issues raised as soon as For those who need additional assistance, possible, with a consistent approach our London Dial-a-Ride service has across the network. continued to operate during the pandemic, including on Christmas Day. During the last quarter of 2020, we This service has provided essential door- engaged with over 20 individuals sleeping to-door trips for food shopping, doctor rough on our network, across 12 sites. At appointments and vital social contacts least four of these individuals have been within support bubbles. The services successfully moved into accommodation, remain an essential link to the outside and of those remaining, half are actively world for those who need door-to-door engaging with borough led support assistance when travelling and for whom services. We also continue to have isolation might otherwise lead to poor success in helping to rehome a number of mental wellbeing. persistent rough sleepers. A rough sleeper at Walthamstow, who had returned to the As many community-based social bus station after two years, was housed activities and clubs are not operating at before Christmas through the joint present, the usual number of Dial-a-Ride efforts of our staff, outreach services and trips has temporarily declined. This has the local authority housing team. provided us with an opportunity to contribute some of our transport We have also worked closely with resources to help support community Westminster City Council, borough led initiatives such as delivering hot meals support services, the GLA and the MPS to and food supplies to vulnerable people. address the encampment on the Park Lane central reservation. A collaborative Bus Safety Standard approach has enabled us to address the We continue to roll out the Bus Safety problems being caused, and we have Standard to new vehicles joining the fleet implemented processes to prevent the to help eliminate all deaths and serious issue from reoccurring in the future. injuries from London’s roads by 2041. The next generation of the Bus Safety Due to the ongoing pandemic and its Standard requires new buses to have: social and economic impact, there is likely camera monitoring systems in place of to be an increase in the number of people side mirrors, offering a wider field of view forced to sleep rough and on our services. and clearer visibility in low light; toggling We continue to strengthen our to help identify the brake pedal and its partnership with charities and outreach relative position from the driver’s foot; agencies in anticipation of this and are changes to the brake system to prevent working closely with our Greater London buses rolling away without a driver in the Authority and borough colleagues to help cab; and enhancements to saloon provide the support needed for these interiors to reduce the risks of passenger customers. injuries. These new safety-enhanced vehicles will start appearing on London’s Assisted Transport Services roads by late 2021. We continue to offer a travel lifeline to London residents with the greatest There are already around 350 buses that accessibility needs through our Assisted meet the first generation of the safety Transport Services. The travel mentoring standard. Of these, 202 are equipped with service has been available since October the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System 2005 and helps those who want to use (AVAS) to alert vulnerable road users to our accessible network for the first time, much quieter buses, such as pure electric

Commissioner’s report 10 vehicles, which would otherwise be Bus driver facilities virtually silent in busy traffic. The sound With the colder months approaching, we these buses make will become an have been working to secure extra winter increasingly common feature for when facilities for our bus drivers. As many vehicles are travelling at 20kph or less. mess facilities are too small to This sound will also be heard in other accommodate social distancing parts of the UK as some operators like requirements, we have undertaken the First Group are adopting it when they task of adding 38 new facilities across order new buses. London. This has been achieved by fully fitting out portacabins, acquiring unused From spring 2021, AVAS will automatically retail units and refurbishing and re- adjust the volume of its warning system planning existing facilities. to reflect noisier shopping centres and quieter suburban districts using geo- To date, we have installed 19 cabins and fencing – zones which trigger it to play its managed 14 refurbishments at existing sound at different volumes. The new welfare facilities to make them COVID- technologies are part of a concerted secure. Locations that now have campaign to get closer to our Vision Zero additional bus driver facilities include target. Becontree Heath, Hammersmith (upper and lower), Tottenham Hale, Bus driver training Walthamstow Central, Stratford Regional, We have paused our Destination Zero bus Kingston, West Croydon, Bromley North, driver training following the introduction Stratford City and Ilford. In Brent Cross, of the national lockdown at the start of we have secured a retail unit which has this year. Our bus operator training teams been fully fitted and is now open to have now been equipped with medical- drivers. The remaining facilities will be in grade ultra-violet cleaning boxes to place by 12 February and the cabins will be sterilise digital headsets and tablets and in place by March 2021. training will restart once it is deemed safe to do so. This virtual reality (VR) course Taxi and Private Hire driver assessment looks at road hazards such as driver centres behaviour, vulnerable road users and On 20 December 2020, in line with the driver wellbeing. The new cleaning Government guidance and the approach equipment will ensure we can operate taken by other assessment bodies, all safely while using VR headsets. In addition driver assessment centres were closed. to this, operators will continue to use All applicants with a scheduled COVID-secure delivery methods for appointment were contacted in advance training such as enhanced cleaning, and made aware of these closures. The reduced group sizes and regular hand service will resume when restrictions are washing. lifted, with all appropriate safety measures taken, including social Bus driver fatigue management distancing, enhanced cleaning and regular Our fatigue awareness training aims to hand washing. raise awareness of the basics of tiredness, how it is caused it and what drivers can do Taxi and Private Hire vehicle inspection to help alleviate it. We started training centres bus operator managers and supervisors in Driver licensing inspection sites remain September 2020. Around 250 bus operator open (apart from planned closures over managers have received training so far. the festive period), with appropriate Training continues this year and is being safety measures in place including social completed virtually due to the pandemic distancing markers, hand sanitiser which has allowed us to continue this stations, personal protective equipment important work. for staff and limits on contact between staff and customers, who will be asked to

Commissioner’s report 11 We have distributed free packs of face masks and hand sanitiser to help keep our taxi licensees and their passengers safe

wear face coverings. This decision was vehicle (PHV) sector across England and made to ensure vehicles can continue to Wales. The DfT expects all the be licensed, enabling drivers to continue recommendations to be implemented to work during the pandemic. unless there is a compelling local reason not to. These standards cover the Coronavirus support initiative for taxi following areas: and private hire drivers To help ensure the safety of licensees and • Administering the licensing regime passengers, we have provided free packs • Gathering and sharing information of face coverings, hand sanitiser and • Decision making stickers with coronavirus-specific • Driver licensing information to be displayed in vehicles. • Vehicle licensing Since 7 December 2020, we have • Operator licensing distributed free packs of 1.5 million face • Enforcing the licensing regime coverings and 30,000 bottles of Dettol hand sanitiser. Drivers from Dial-a-Ride Key recommendations include criminal helped distribute the packs from parked record checks for drivers every six vehicles at locations across London. We months, safeguarding training for all taxi have also produced an educational video and PHV drivers, and a recommendation which provides guidance to drivers on for licensing authorities to consider how to clean their vehicle at the end of whether the use of in-vehicle CCTV their shift. would be beneficial or proportionate in their areas. We are continuing to engage Department for Transport Statutory with the taxi and PHV trades on how Standards these recommendations will be On 22 July 2020, the Secretary of State for implemented. Transport issued a range of new statutory standards for the taxi and private hire

Commissioner’s report 12

3 Restart and recovery

On 14 December, the Government national requirement for everyone to wear confirmed new coronavirus tier a face covering when using public restrictions would come into force on 16 transport, unless they are exempt. December, with London placed in Tier 3. However, due to the rising cases of Over the past few months, we have put coronavirus, London was moved into Tier significant effort into ensuring our offices 4 on 20 December. On 4 January, the are COVID-secure for those who need to Government announced a third national use them for welfare or work purposes. lockdown which started on 6 January. The updated guidance from 6 January outlines that those who can work from We have amended our messaging to home should continue to do so. reflect the latest Government advice. We ask that everyone stay at home unless On 11 January, Nightingale Hospital they are a key worker, are unable to work reopened to help hospitals cope with the from home, require medical assistance, are rising cases of coronavirus in the Capital visiting a support bubble or need to travel and distribute vaccinations. We have for educational purposes. We continue to worked with the NHS on the rollout of advise Londoners to walk or cycle where planned vaccination centres and possible and to visit our website to help implemented a patient reimbursement plan their journeys by public transport. We arrangement for Londoner’s that need to also ask that those who do need to travel attend a site located within the do so during quiet times. These are Congestion Charge and Ultra Low currently between 08:15 and 16:00 and after Emission Zone (ULEZ). Most hospitals 17:30 on weekdays, and before noon and located within these zones already have after 18:00 on weekends. In addition to this the reimbursement arrangement in place, messaging, we also updated our ‘Safer however we are working closely with the travel guidance’ web page to reflect recent NHS to ensure this arrangement is Government guidance. Under the ‘National implemented at any future vaccination lockdown: stay at home’ heading, centres located within the Congestion customers are reminded that the latest Charging Zone and ULEZ zone. Our Government guidance requires everyone operational teams have been developing a to stay at home. From 9 January, we also targeted strategy for dealing with ran a London-wide ‘stay at home’ radio potential travel hotspots, following advert on digital radio and from 11 January lessons learned during previous on FM radio. lockdowns, to cope with any increases in passenger numbers for people travelling The safety of our staff and customers to these centres. We continue to monitor remains our key focus. Extensive measures the situation closely. that we brought in at the start of the pandemic will continue, such as providing School restart a clean, safe and reliable network. We have deferred the reintroduction of Extensive signage is also in place on trains, most school bus services following the buses, platforms and stations, reminding Government decision to postpone the everyone to maintain social distancing. In return to school in London and the addition, our enforcement staff and police announcement of the national lockdown partners are actively enforcing the in January. We will reintroduce these

Commissioner’s Report 13 We continue to use hospital-grade substances to kill viruses and bacteria, and keep our network safe for customers and employees

services, including those funded directly continuously as the belt passes through by the Department for Education, when the unit. While some ultra-violet sanitising schools reopen to help London cope with solutions need an external power source, the increase in passenger numbers. our devices are fitted with a small dynamo to generate power from the moving Extensive cleaning regime handrail. Our extensive anti-viral cleaning regime continues across the transport network Business sector and recovery support and includes using hospital-grade cleaning We have continued to assist tenants on substances that kill viruses and bacteria on our property estate to support London’s contact and provide ongoing disinfection. business recovery. In the run up to the Our cleaning contractors continue to festive season, we ran a series of focus on customer touch points such as campaigns celebrating the many card readers, handrails and help points. We businesses located across our estate. This have now installed more than 1,100 included launching our first ever Track sanitising points across our network for Friday on 27 November, alongside Small customers to use. Business Saturday on 28 November. On these days, we had a series of Christmas Ultra-violet light sanitising offers available to customers via our blog We have installed more than 200 ultra- and social media. violet light sanitising devices on escalators across the Tube network at our busiest Following the closure of Seven Sisters stations. We are currently in the process Market in early 2020, as a result of both of procuring more devices to install on our the pandemic and health and safety remaining escalators during this year. This defects, the Mayor has approved a Mayoral work is in addition to our existing Direction to provide financial support to extensive anti-viral cleaning regime. The traders affected by the closure. The ultra-violet bulb sanitises the handrail project team has met with traders, and the

Commissioner’s report 14 first payments were made in December. weight loss and encouraged staff to have The project team will continue to provide any pre-existing health conditions checked support to traders as appropriate to mitigate their vulnerability to throughout 2021 until they are able to coronavirus. relocate to the temporary market located at Apex Gardens. The team has also been piloting health ‘MOTs’ at our Acton depot which has been Supporting our employees well-received and attended by operational Wellbeing support for our employees staff. More dates have been added and We understand that this is an incredibly planning has begun to extend this initiative difficult time for everyone, and we to other TfL sites over the coming months. are doing everything we can to support the mental health and wellbeing of all our Our Display Screen Equipment team is also colleagues. Our internal intranet platform working tirelessly to ensure that is host to a wide range of easy-to-access colleagues who are currently working resources - from tips on how to adapt from home have the right display screen to new ways of working to information on equipment set up. We currently have a mental health and stress management. team of more than 300 equipment assessors, working to ensure that users We have partnered with Able Futures to have the correct set up and equipment to offer nine months free confidential do their work. The team is also assisting mental health support to those colleagues with any required reasonable employees whose mental health issues adjustments they may need to help are directly impacting their ability to work. maintain their physical health while The support includes regular calls with a working from home. mental health professional, an action plan, advice and guidance. This support service Viewpoint 2020 can be accessed through our Employee Viewpoint, our annual staff survey, ran Assistance Programme or directly through from 28 September to 1 November 2020. A Able Futures. We continue to encourage total of 17,293 people responded to the those who are struggling with their mental survey – 64 per cent of all employees. This health to use our Employee Assistance was the same response rate as in 2019, Programme helpline which is available 24 which is no mean feat considering the hours a day, seven days a week. challenges that people have faced over the last year. Our Occupational Health and Wellbeing team continues to provide easy access to The survey’s overall measure, Total support for employees, despite the Engagement, was made up of 27 questions. challenges of pandemic. In addition to The total for this area increased by five per providing mental and physical health cent on 2019’s score to 62 per cent. This is support, they are also focusing on the highest result in this area since initiatives, including losing weight and 2015. All other measures of engagement advice on how to improve sleep and increased as well, notably the Inclusion reduce fatigue. and Wellbeing at Work indexes which both increased to 52 per cent and 57 per cent A renewed campaign on tackling obesity respectively. took place during December, with the emphasis on reducing weight via free Other organisations that have carried out Slimming World vouchers, encouraging surveys in 2020 have also reported greater physical activity – especially increases in engagement, with the through short bursts of activity – and exceptional circumstances generated by increasing awareness of the COVID-Age the pandemic likely to have had an impact risk questionnaire. The campaign in this area. Increased communication, a highlighted the overall health benefits of focus on safety, health and wellbeing as

Commissioner’s report 15 well as improved tools for working have organisation to supply protective all led to a better result. equipment to our Tube and bus workers, as well as all the cleaning staff who have Our colleagues were most positive about also been essential to our coronavirus how their work contributes to the response. organisation’s success, recommending our services and being proud to be a part of Mat also played a big part in ensuring that TfL. Key areas for improvement and what vital PPE reached colleagues who required people were least positive about included it for their roles quickly, and that face confidence that the organisation had a coverings and other protective equipment clear vision for the future, openness and were made available for frontline staff. He honesty of senior manager personally took the lead in managing the communications, and being involved in sorting and distribution of millions of face decisions that affect their work. masks and hundreds of thousands of hand sanitisers to staff across London. At the On 7 December, the results were released peak of the first wave during the summer, to the whole organisation. These will be Mat stored and distributed 1.5 million face used to develop and review existing plans coverings across 48 hours, as well as and strategies. Senior managers are also creating more than 1,000 rapid response being supported to develop actions from kits in three days to help keep colleagues the results together with their safe. teams. Progress on this work will be tracked by the upcoming Pulse survey due It is also fantastic news that Sarah Hope to be carried out in early spring. has been awarded an MBE for her work supporting child amputees and improving New Year’s Honours road safety. Safety is our top priority and I would like to congratulate our colleagues we are absolutely committed to do Sharon Sear and Mat Sullivan, who have everything we can to eliminate deaths and been awarded British Empire Medals in serious injuries from London’s roads. recognition of their work to help protect transport staff and customers during the The work we have done in partnership pandemic. with Sarah not only helps with bus driver training but saw the creation of the Sarah Sharon worked tirelessly to ensure that Hope Line, a dedicated phoneline which colleagues continued to have access to provides support for those who are personal protective equipment (PPE) affected by these tragic incidents. I cannot despite the increased demand following think of a more worthy recipient than COVID-19. As a result of her efforts, she Sarah, whose positivity and courage in the was able obtain millions of face coverings face of adversity is truly remarkable. for staff and thousands of hand sanitisers, as well as helping to implement a new Employee thank you campaign procurement control method for On 18 December, we launched a campaign ordering stock during the pandemic. to celebrate our staff and recognise their ongoing efforts and the immense bravery Sharon also made sure that the NHS could they have demonstrated in the face of continue to receive lifesaving face masks some incredible obstacles over the last at the height of the shortage by ensuring year. Our staff have been dedicated to our supplies came from a different range keeping our customers safe and London of countries to where the NHS supplies moving, not only through this pandemic, were being sent from. This helped mitigate but since the organisation was created. any further disruption caused by lockdown The campaign includes a series of posters measures as supplies were not dependent and short videos that are being displayed on one source. By spotting any potential on our network and social media channels, problems early on, Sharon helped us as an

Commissioner’s report 16 featuring stories from a diverse range of Anonymous recruitment staff across the organisation who have Following months of hard work, our played a pivotal role during such an recruitment team has successfully uncertain time. implemented new, anonymous recruitment software. The software is now Welcoming new graduates and active and being used on more than 100 apprentices live vacancies across our Technology & On 18 January, we were thrilled to Data, Safety, Health and Environment, welcome 56 new graduates and Engineering, London Underground apprentices to the organisation. This is the Operations and Major Projects first group of new starters with more Directorates, as well as some GLA expected to follow in the spring. Due to recruitment projects. This is one of the the pandemic, we have had to adapt to many steps we are taking to enable us to new ways of working. Our Skills and achieve a more diverse and inclusive Employment team successfully turned our workforce across our organisation. usual ‘face-to-face’ Graduate and Apprentice induction event into a Festival of Carols completely virtual one, while keeping the On 9 December, our events calendar content and activities similar to previous closed with the Festival of Carols at St. years. Martin-in-the Fields in Trafalgar Square. For the first time in its long history, the The virtual induction ran from 18 to 20 service was also livestreamed on social January and events included: networking media by our Visual Services team. activities with peers and colleagues; Following Government guidelines, speeches from our Executive Committee; attendance was limited to the six readers sessions on mental health and wellbeing; and nine choir members, with the and time with our Staff Network Groups remaining choir members joining the to understand the important work that service virtually. they do within the organisation. Career journey presentations also took place, The Drum - Out of Home 2020 Awards with some excellent examples across the Our team won two categories at The Drum business, including a speech from current magazine’s Out of Home Awards 2020. The apprentice Paige Thomas, who was ‘Highly first award was for ‘Best Spectacular Commended’ at the recent BAME Campaign’ for Amazon Prime Video’s Apprenticeships Awards. launch of the original series Star Trek by changing the name of Piccadilly Circus to Due to the pandemic, we had to move the PICARDilly Circus. The second award was start date for our graduates and for our ‘Response to COVID-19 - Best apprentices from September 2020 to Creativity and Innovation during COVID-19’ January and spring this year. The team has for the ‘Dettol keeps London moving kept our new starters engaged leading up safely’ campaign and our sponsorship deal to their start dates, with a range of with Dettol. interactive sessions and keep warm activities, from training sessions and learning about working styles to a LinkedIn ‘Rock your Profile’ masterclass. The team also introduced the new starters to their peers, to help them learn about the business and keep them engaged with ongoing activity within the organisation.

Commissioner’s report 17

4 Improving transport and generating growth

Northern Line Extension Modernising the Circle, District, The Northern Line Extension project Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan includes a twin-tunnelled extension from lines Kennington station to a new terminus at The programme continues to make good Battersea Power Station, via a new station progress. We held a successful operational at Nine Elms. The project is scheduled for proving weekend on 9 and 10 January for completion this autumn. the next section of new signalling to go live. This means that we remain on track Following the successful power for the switch to new signalling between energisation of the track and the Monument, Euston Square and Stepney implementation of a testing environment Green this spring. for running empty trains earlier in the month, we successfully ran the first The weekend enabled our operational passenger test trains on the new extension staff, including line controllers, service on 19 and 25 December. This enabled us to managers, train operators and asset teams test the new signalling system, including to get hands-on experience of operating stabling trains at all platforms and bi- the new automatic signalling system in directional running within the Kennington this complex area. We also put more loop. We also carried out dynamic testing demand on the system by increasing the on trains in restricted manual and fully volume of trains in service from previous automatic train operation on all routes. testing, as well as testing the new system This is a significant achievement which has in a range of scenarios. The next steps are increased the confidence in the extension to analyse the performance in detail and being available for revenue service in feed results into the final software, autumn this year. operational and maintenance assurance plans in preparation for timetabled The successful high voltage energisation customer service. to the switch rooms in October has facilitated the commissioning of key We have also begun the overhaul of our S- systems, including escalators, tunnel vent stock fleet that operates on the Circle, fans, CCTV and lighting. The system District, Hammersmith & City and enabling train information, which will be Metropolitan lines. We are starting with distributed from Highgate to both new the S8 trains on the Metropolitan line, stations, successfully passed factory which have now completed around 1.25 acceptance testing. Tunnel ventilation fans million kilometres each. were commissioned, and we completed a test run at Kennington Park on 11 and 12 This work includes the wheels, suspension, December. brakes, air and electrical systems, and the cab seat. This is the first overhaul of our S-

Commissioner’s report 18 stock trains, which entered service on the running tunnel and platform at Bank, and Tube between 2010 and 2012. We expect to the old running tunnel to be transformed complete the overhaul of 60 Metropolitan into a new passenger concourse. line trains by the end of 2022. After this, we will begin work on the S7 fleet on the South Kensington District, Circle and Hammersmith and City We are replacing all five Piccadilly line lines, which we expect to complete by escalators at South Kensington station. 2026. This means that from late February, Piccadilly line trains will be non-stopping Bank station at South Kensington until early spring 2022. We are boosting capacity at Bank station The station will remain open for Circle and by 40 per cent. This includes creating a District line customers. new Northern line tunnel, platform and circulation spaces, a new entrance on During the months of December and Cannon Street, the introduction of step- January, we carried out preliminary work free access to the Northern line, additional at South Kensington station as part of our interchange between the DLR platforms, separate planned capacity upgrade project, and two new moving walkways between removing a retail kiosk to make more the Central and Northern lines. space in the ticket hall and enable social distancing. We continue the multi-disciplinary fit out phase of the works, and the number of We are also awaiting a decision from the new subcontractors joining the project is Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea increasing steadily. A focus on safety and on our plans for development around the productivity has been paramount in station. This application includes providing guiding new work groups through the step-free access to the Circle and District inevitable learning curve associated with lines, as well as delivering new shops, working in a new setting. workspace and housing, 35 per cent of which will be affordable. In November, we awarded contracts for communications (including CCTV, public Elephant & Castle help points and public address systems), A new station entrance and new Northern and the pumps, drainage and domestic line ticket hall will be provided as part of a cold and hot water supply. These were the private sector redevelopment of the main outstanding subcontracts for the Elephant & Castle shopping centre, project, giving further confidence in the significantly increasing station capacity to project’s estimated final cost. Works on meet future demands. The developer, the mechanical and fire suppression Delancey, has achieved vacant possession systems are also progressing well. of the existing shopping centre and demolition is currently under way. The work to provide an electrical supply to Infrastructure protection agreements with the new station entrance passed an us are in place. important milestone with the new supply being certified ready for energisation, We continue to negotiate with Delancey to enabling all subsystems to progress. We secure agreements on construction of the have also created mock-ups of the new new station box. Our concept design work track, as planning for the track work has been completed and work is ongoing elements of the new southbound running to integrate the design and construction tunnel ramps up. requirements within the wider development. As part of this work, we will Planning for temporary closures on the provide the fit out of the ticket hall, step- Northern line Bank branch also continues. free access and tunnels connecting the This will enable the existing southbound ticket hall to the existing Northern line Northern line to be linked into the new platforms. Our concept design for the

Commissioner’s report 19 station box also safeguards the future development on sites required to deliver interchange with the Bakerloo line. the project, protecting its future delivery. In addition, we are also carrying out work to improve the reliability of the two lifts at Ealing Common Elephant and Castle station that provide We have completed major work at Ealing access from street level to the Northern Common depot. The east end of the site line. Work began on the first lift on 4 was entirely renewed, making the track January and will be completed in the safer and more reliable for our staff. The spring. To ensure social distancing is work also included the installation of eight maintained, there will be no entry to new sets of points, 228 metres of new Underground services via the Northern ballasted track and 160 metres of new staff line ticket hall at busy times on weekdays. walkways. Customers will need to enter the station via the Bakerloo line ticket hall and lifts. To enable these works, the team worked together to share cleaning, delivery and Bakerloo line scrap removal trains between teams. The planned Bakerloo Line Extension These trains carried out significant ballast scheme from Elephant and Castle to and sleeper renewals, scrap removal on Lewisham remains a crucial new the main track and in other areas of the infrastructure project for our city. The depot, and maintenance tamping which Mayor and TfL are committed to delivering has brought significant efficiencies. We the extension which, together with an also used this work as an opportunity to upgrade of the existing line, would complete valuable training for engineering connect a historically underserved part of train operators. London to the Tube network, while supporting the delivery of thousands of Hammersmith Bridge new homes and jobs. However, this We have committed a total of £4m, as part remains dependent on a viable funding of the DfT funding settlement for the package being put together. A second half of 2020/21, for the continuing commitment from the Government to development of the scheme to repair support funding for the scheme is Hammersmith Bridge. Our officers are essential in developing a funding package. working closely with borough colleagues Our immediate priority is to safeguard the in Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond, route from Elephant and Castle to the Port of London Authority and the DfT Lewisham to protect it for future delivery, to further develop the structural designs as well as working with the Government and plans to stabilise the bridge and to agree a new longer-term sustainable enable it to open to pedestrians and funding model for transport in London. cyclists, before the full strengthening phase of the works enable road traffic to Following the public consultation in use the crossing again. Following the autumn 2019, and the publication of the funding agreement and the end of the first consultation report in November 2020, we national lockdown, the exploratory works are now working with the Government and (taking off the pedestal casings to other stakeholders to establish formal investigate the structural cracks in detail) safeguarding for the route of the scheme. have now restarted. All four sets of In December 2020, we received central casing panels will have been confirmation that the Secretary of State completely removed by April this year. for Transport is supportive of issuing Discussions are ongoing with the Statutory Safeguarding Directions by Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce on options March 2021. Seeking the Statutory to refine the delivery programme and Safeguarding Direction was also endorsed contractual arrangements, and potential by the TfL Programmes and Investment works to de-risk the construction Committee on 11 December. Once issued, schedule. the directions will help prevent premature

Commissioner’s report 20 We have increased the frequency of are monitoring air quality in the boroughs service on bus route 533 (Hammersmith of Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Bus Station to Lonsdale Road) and on Southwark and Lewisham. route 378 (Mortlake Bus Station to Putney Bridge station) to try to alleviate transport We have finished the ground investigation delays in the area while the bridge is pumping tests and pavement surveys closed. We continue to work with various along with ordnance surveys in the stakeholders, including schools on both Greenwich and Silvertown work areas in sides of the river, to see how we can preparation for start of major works. We further help local customers and school have completed our intrusive and non- pupils. intrusive surveys to facilitate utilities mapping and have had productive In addition, we have started procurement engagement with the utility companies. to appoint a contractor to run a temporary Utility works have started on cabling and ferry service close to Hammersmith Bridge UK Power Networks diversions to enable while plans for repair are finalised. We the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) power have concluded initial shortlisting and supply. have invited bidders to tender full submissions. Bidders are currently Site works have started in Greenwich, compiling their responses and we intend where the TBM launch chamber will be to award contracts in early March. constructed, with demolition and clearance of existing buildings. We have Silvertown tunnel also started construction works to the The new twin-bore tunnel, within the coach park, including earthworks, drainage, extended Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), retaining walls and ramp construction. will effectively eliminate congestion and improve air quality around the Blackwall Our procurement planning for the TBM is Tunnel approach, with no increase in progressing, with the contract for its carbon emissions. It will also provide a design and manufacture awarded on 4 transformative new cross-river bus December. The methodology for the TBM network for east London, with plans for launch and procurement for the up to 37 buses per hour in each direction, segmental lining of the tunnel tubes, TBM all of which are expected to be zero moving system and de-watering continues emission from launch. The tunnel will to be progressed. connect Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula, and support significant planned DLR extension to Thamesmead redevelopment in the coming years. We have begun further feasibility work on the proposed extension of the DLR to We have let contracts for transport and Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, traffic, socio-economic and environmental following the confirmation of the new monitoring as part of our development Thamesmead and Abbey Wood consent obligations, and environmental Opportunity Area Planning Framework. monitoring has started. We have also served temporary possession notices and The feasibility work will be carried out by taken possession of land from ten tenants us and a joint commission between Arup to facilitate handover to our contractor and Atkins for design, engineering and RiverLinx. This includes twenty-two environmental assessment, and with sections of the sites on both the north and Aecom for socio-economic support. It will south sides. be fully funded by external partners through a £1m joint funding agreement Three continuous air-quality monitoring between the London Borough of Newham, stations have been installed near where the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the new tunnel’s portals will be. A further developers Thamesmead Waterfront (a 29 NO2 diffusion tubes were installed and joint venture partnership between

Commissioner’s report 21 Peabody and Lendlease), Aberdeen Barking Riverside Extension Standard Investments and St William (a We are delivering a new rail link which will joint venture between Berkeley Group and unlock and support 10,800 new homes National Grid). planned for the Barking Riverside development area. We will build a spur on This work will enable us and our partners the London Overground east of Barking to to further develop the proposed DLR extend the Gospel Oak to Barking service extension from Gallions Reach in Newham to a new station at Barking Riverside. The to Beckton Riverside, and then across the extension is around 4.5km from Barking river to Thamesmead. Providing new station. It includes modifications to the public transport options would support existing Network Rail infrastructure and the delivery of more than 25,000 new new lines running on a viaduct of around homes along the route as well as improve 1.5km. A four-carriage London Overground connectivity across the river. The scheme service running at 15-minute intervals is was included in our submission to the planned. recent Government Comprehensive Spending Review as one which could Construction of a ramp and viaduct is support new housing and jobs where they taking place north of Choats Road, linking are needed most, to regenerate and to existing Network Rail infrastructure. To support the recovery of both London and the south of Choats Road, the viaduct runs the wider UK economy. through the Barking Riverside development to the terminus station near This next stage of technical work will the Thames. Ramp and viaduct piling enable further development of the route activities have been completed and the and the potential locations of stations to final pier walls, at Piers 13 and 14 where the be considered. Support work on other north and south viaducts will meet, were transport options within the framework poured in December. The final deck span will also be carried out, including options over Choats Road will be lifted and for a rapid bus corridor and new walking installed in April this year. Concrete works and cycling links. on the south viaduct were also completed during December 2020. On the north Further assessments on both the potential viaduct, works are ongoing to finish the environmental impacts and transport ramp, complete installation of the last benefits of these schemes will ensure that deck spans and pour the remaining deck the best options to support growth in the slabs. area are taken forward once appropriate funding has been identified and secured. At the new station, we have completed The decision to progress this work comes the main roof and platform canopy as the Mayor formally signed the creation cladding and glazing, and have started the of the new planning framework. From installation of mechanical and electrical December 2019 to 11 March 2020, a public equipment, including the permanent consultation on the draft framework was power supply to the station. On 4 January, undertaken, which sets out a vision to we completed a major signalling stage that deliver more than 15,000 new homes and was previously delayed last year due to around 8,000 jobs south of the river. the coronavirus pandemic.

The planning framework also supports Following the disruption and re-planning growth aspirations north of the river at required as a result of the pandemic, the Beckton Riverside, where there is further delivery programme has now stabilised potential for new homes and jobs in the and our most-likely start of service coming years. Feedback from the public remains forecast for autumn 2022. consultation showed there was strong support for a DLR extension to Thamesmead.

Commissioner’s report 22 Bus consultations and changes to bus building, and utilities diversions along routes Hampstead Road and across Euston Road. Consultation has now closed on our Discussions for the enabling works for the proposals for a major recast of bus routes interim taxi rank at Euston station have in the Sutton and Croydon areas. We are now entered the detailed design phase. proposing the re-structure of thirteen existing routes and the introduction of We continue to provide input into the DfT- three new routes. These schemes would led study on proposals for Euston provide customers with new transport following publication of the Oakervee links, increase passenger capacity and Review in 2020. The DfT has recently improve reliability. We have also instructed HS2 to proceed with further consulted on a proposal to restructure bus design development for one of the route 414 (currently from Putney to Maida options, which provides a solution based Hill) in central London to better match around 10 HS2 platforms, a single stage capacity to demand by curtailing it at build and increased oversite development. Marble Arch, and on a proposed extension However, the impact on our infrastructure, of route 324 from Stanmore to Elstree to operations and passengers needs further better serve the Royal National consideration. We are therefore working Orthopaedic Hospital. alongside other key stakeholders, including HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, London We successfully defended the Judicial Borough of Camden and Lendlease, under Review claim of our decision to re-route the umbrella of the newly formed Euston the 384 bus service in the High Barnet area. Partnership, to assess the proposals and In a judgment given on 3 December 2020, refine early scheme designs, and to assist the claim was dismissed on all grounds with work on affordability to ensure and the Judge found that there were no investment delivers best value. defects in our consultation process. We have also restarted some activities on Heathrow Airport Limited have given the Euston Healthy Streets project with written notice that they are ending the funding provided by London Borough of sponsored route agreement. This will Camden. This is taking a strategic view of impact the free fares zone for buses the highways around Euston to inform around the airport which will cease from future aspirations in line with the Mayor’s 1 March. Free fares will remain for London Healthy Streets principles. Current work Underground and TfL Rail services includes developing a joint vision with between terminals. stakeholders as well as identifying short- term improvements for pedestrians. High Speed 2 We continue to work collaboratively with High Speed 2 (HS2) is a new high-speed HS2 Ltd and its supply chain in reviewing railway connecting London to the West and assuring designs and works where Midlands and the North of England. Our there is a potential impact on our assets or work consists of the design and supply of our operations. new assets, infrastructure and operational facilities at Euston and Old Oak Common, New Homes and protecting our operational networks Wembley Park, Brent and services. With planning permission in place, we have been preparing our site near Wembley Park HS2 Ltd’s construction activity has Tube station for construction. We are continued across all sites in London under excited to transform the 7,000sqm car COVID-19 secure conditions. This has park into 454 homes, 40 per cent of which included the continuation of site clearance will be affordable. The site will also host a and mobilisation at Euston, including retail unit, improvements to the public preparatory works for the new realm and new operational space for us. Underground substation and ventilation The development has a focus on

Commissioner’s report 23 The proposed scheme at Montford Place in Kennington will deliver 139 new rental homes and 2,700sqm of light industrial workspace.

sustainability, environmental, economic London Affordable Rent, and as shared and social benefits. For example, except ownership properties. for blue badge parking, the scheme will be car-free for residents, helping to improve The proximity of the site to Acton Town, air quality. Chiswick Park and South Acton stations means new residents will have easy links Bollo Lane, Ealing to central London with the Piccadilly, On 20 January, a new development at District and London Overground lines. This Bollo Lane in Acton was given the go- access to the rail network combined with a ahead by Ealing Council, and will provide number of bus routes serving the area will hundreds of new high-quality and enable new residents to travel sustainably affordable homes in the local area. with ease. The masterplan, designed in collaboration with architects HOK, landscape architects The area around the new homes has been East and engineers Mott MacDonald, designed to deliver long-term positive covers a 3,600sqm site and spans from change and sustainability for the local Acton Town station in the north to the community. As well as looking to level crossing towards Chiswick. The incorporate renewable energy systems development, our largest to date, will such as solar panels, the designs include provide 852 new homes spread over nine multiple gardens and new play spaces for buildings, with a mixture of one, two and the local community and residents. three-bedroom properties, suited to all types of households, including first time The local community will also benefit buyers, families and downsizers. Half of from improvements to the area that will the homes will be affordable and will be make it easier to travel sustainably, by available at a range of affordable rents, walking and cycling. The designs such as discounted market rent and incorporate a new continuous, widened

Commissioner’s report 24 footpath alongside the west side of Bollo Situated within ten minutes’ walking Lane, making it much easier and safer to distance of Vauxhall, Kennington and Oval walk. It will be easier to cross the road stations, the development’s location with new crossing points, which will means residents will have several different include tactile paving and dropped kerbs, ways to travel sustainably using the public to support those with accessibility needs. transport network, including the Tube, rail The designs also include the provision of a network and buses. new cycle zone, alongside new cycle The development has also been shaped to parking. deliberately incorporate sustainability throughout its design, and features a The vast site will provide more than sustainable energy system which includes 2,300sqm of commercial space, which solar panels. The buildings also have roof could be used by local businesses. gardens, biodiverse roofs, hedges and bird Combined with the additional retail space boxes to help provide shelter and roosting included in the plans, the development sites for birds. will contribute to and help stimulate the local economy. PlayStation 5 launch partnership extension Blackhorse View, Waltham Forest On 18 November, Oxford Circus Tube Sales continue of our new homes at station roundels were transformed into Blackhorse View. The homes include Sony’s iconic PlayStation controller button studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom symbols for 48 hours to mark the launch properties, ready for people to move into of the new PlayStation 5. In addition to the by autumn 2021. Tube's roundels, the tunnels, entrances, exits and Victoria, Central and Bakerloo Connected Living London – our Build to line platforms also featured the four Rent partnership recognisable shapes. We have secured planning consent for a scheme at Montford Place, in Kennington. We agreed to extend the partnership with A new mixed-use development of 139 new Sony for a further three days, generating rental homes and more than 2,700sqm of additional income which will be reinvested light industrial workspace in north into our network. Lambeth has been given the go-ahead, helping to provide quality rental housing Art on the Underground for the area along with commercial At the end of last year, we launched a opportunities to help support the local commission of permanent and temporary economy. artworks, titled Pleasure’s Inaccuracies, by Scottish-born, Belgium-based artist Lucy The proposals by Connected Living McKenzie at Sudbury Town station. London have been designed by award- winning architects, Hawkins\Brown and Sudbury Town Tube station is a listed will occupy a site currently being used to building designed by Charles Holden in facilitate the delivery of the Northern Line 1931. The commission comprises two Extension. permanent hand-painted ceiling murals featuring: maps of the local area; a highly The new rental homes, which include 40 detailed architectural model of the station per cent affordable housing, will be that will remain on permanent display; delivered across two buildings with a two large billboards installed on each central mews street between them. They platform; and a series of posters which will be a mixture of studio and one-, two- will be on display until November 2021. and three-bedroom properties, providing options for all types of households. The affordable homes will be provided at a discount to open market rates for rent.

Commissioner’s report 25

5 Healthy Streets

Streetspace for London have opened under the Streetspace for The Streetspace for London programme London programme so far. The new cycle continues to deliver at pace. To date, track runs between Heathfield 79.5km of strategic cycle routes have been Terrace and Goldhawk Road, separating completed, with a further 8.7km under cyclists from traffic and reducing the risk construction. of collisions with motor vehicles. Other temporary work on Cycleway 9 carried Alongside the Royal Borough of out so far includes measures on Wellesley Greenwich and the London Borough of Road and between Olympia and Hounslow, we have opened two new Goldhawk Road, which have together temporary cycle lanes totalling almost created a safer cycling corridor between 5.5km. The new route in Greenwich will Olympia and Gunnersbury for the first make cycling between the Old Royal time. We will continue to work with Naval College and Angerstein Roundabout Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow much safer and includes a protected Councils on plans to create the Cycleway route through the roundabout. The 9 route in full. roundabout is one of the most dangerous and intimidating junctions in the area and We are also moving forward with was where somebody was tragically killed permanent measures to make roads cycling in 2018. Other improvements in Streatham much safer and less include new pedestrian crossings which intimidating for people walking and provide a more direct route through cycling, following a public consultation Angerstein Roundabout for people on that showed strong support for our plans foot. for the area. On 19 January, we published the results of the consultation. The The new lane will form part of an results showed that 83 per cent of extended Cycleway 4 which, when respondents agreed that the proposals complete, will connect Charlton and would make people feel safer cycling Greenwich to central London via through the area, with 70 per cent saying Rotherhithe and Bermondsey. In the same about walking. September, we opened the first section of the route between Tower Bridge Road and We have started on the detailed design Rotherhithe, including a complete work for the changes proposed, which overhaul of Rotherhithe Roundabout and will include: three new Santander Cycles docking stations along the route. • Nearly 2km of new, high quality segregated cycle lanes between In west London, the new 2.4km Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood track along Chiswick High Road is the first Road, making cycling much easier and major section of Cycleway 9 to open. The safer on this busy stretch of road new route links to other changes to • New pedestrian crossings and the create one of the longest Cycleways to relocation of existing crossings, making Commissioner’s Report 26 sure that people can cross safely at the the Streetspace Plan designed to free up most convenient locations space for buses, and those who walk or • Changes to side road entry and exit cycle in Bishopsgate as part of our rules to reduce rat running on local response to the pandemic. The claim was roads heard on 25 and 26 November 2020. • Improvements to make the local area more attractive for everyone, including On 20 January 2021, the court quashed the planting new trees and improving Streetspace Plan, our current borough landscaping in the area guidance and the A10 Bishopsgate Order but has stayed the effect of these orders Following feedback from the until 21 days after final determination of consultation, we have made changes to any appeal. This means that the plan, the scheme to improve it, including guidance and order can remain in place increasing the amount of trees planted pending any appeal. and making other changes to side road access to further reduce rat running in the We are disappointed with the court’s area. We are now working to finalise our decision and are seeking to appeal the designs for these changes to local roads judgment. We recognise the need for and will look to start construction work schemes such as our Bishopsgate corridor early next year. to work for the communities they serve and have worked hard to ensure that As part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero people across the capital, including those outlook, we are committed to eliminating who use taxis, can continue to make the death and serious injury on the transport journeys they need. We also recognise the network. The new cycle lanes will reduce need for schemes to be delivered in a fair the chance of collisions with motor and consistent manner and have worked vehicles by separating cyclists from closely with boroughs to create clear traffic, enabling many more people across guidance for implementing schemes. the local areas and beyond to cycle with confidence. Santander Cycles Santander Cycles have played a crucial Other key delivery highlights include role in supporting key workers during the improvements at Savoy Street and The pandemic, as more people have turned to Strand in Westminster, which now cycling for their exercise and transport provide a much-needed connection journeys. between Cycleway 1 and Cycleway 3. Improvements have also completed along Since March 2020, free cycle-hire access Queensbridge Road in Hackney. Further codes have been provided for NHS staff funding has been allocated to London and other key workers. So far, there have boroughs to continue delivery during the been 217,710 hires and almost 18,000 remainder of the financial year. people have benefited from this offer. The busiest location for NHS code London Streetspace Plan and redemption is the docking station on Bishopsgate Scheme Judicial Review Lambeth Palace Road in Waterloo, near St The United Trade Action Group Limited Thomas's Hospital. and the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association Limited issued a judicial review claim In addition, 24-hour membership against us and the Mayor of London, registrations rose by 167 per cent in the challenging the London Streetspace Plan year to December 2020, representing the and associated guidance to boroughs, and largest increase in the scheme’s 10-year a temporary scheme made pursuant to history. Meanwhile, registrations for new annual memberships increased by 25 per

Commissioner’s report 27 Santander Cycles have played a crucial part in supporting a green recovery and enabling Londoners to get around safely

cent. Total hire numbers for 2020 were programme and will be completed under 10,434,167 – an increase of around 6,000 a temporary design. from 2019 – despite a significant overall reduction in journeys across London Cycleway 9 during the pandemic. Demolition works on Chiswick High Road towards the east of Kew Junction started Over the course of last year, the previous on 5 December 2020. Kew Bridge has also maximum daily hire number of 50,000 been re-marked in preparation for the was surpassed on 14 separate days as western footway cutback works which record numbers of people tried Santander started on 4 January. Works on these two Cycles for the first time. The festive sections are expected to be completed by period also continued to be very busy, March 2021. Work for the western arm of with more than 60,000 hires made Kew Junction towards Brentford is between the 25 and 28 December, as continuing with the planning phase. people took advantage of quieter streets and dry weather. Mini-Hollands The completion of Enfield’s route Cycleways between Ponders End and Freezey Water Cycleway 4 saw the completion of the Mini-Holland- The re-started works in Greenwich along funded programme in Enfield. We Creek Road, from Deptford Church Street continue to make good progress in to Norway Street, are progressing well Kingston, with completion of that and will be complete by summer 2021. The programme scheduled for summer 2021. remainder of the route, including the Schemes currently under construction Lower Road (Southwark) and Evelyn Street include protected Cycleways between Kingston Vale and Kingston, and Kingston (Lewisham) sections, is being developed and Surbiton. under the Streetspace for London

Commissioner’s report 28 Partnership with London Marathon 2020 funded projects will receive £593,369 Charitable Trust of joint funding over three years. Projects On 10 December, in partnership with the include: London Marathon Charitable Trust, we announced the recipients of the 2020 • The Aeon Bike Project – Inspirational Walking and Cycling Grants London Youth Ltd (Lambeth) programme, which aims to encourage • Sole Sistas – active (Newham) more people to walk and cycle. Grants of • Breaking the Cycle: Fixing Bikes, up to £10,000 over a period of three years Changing Lives – YES Outdoors have been made available to community (Islington, Camden and Haringey) projects across London to deliver • Walking Down Memory Lane: Step-by- programmes that address barriers to Step Stories around Toynbee Hall – active travel among traditionally under- Walk East (Tower Hamlets) represented groups. These will also • Girls Inclusion in Community Cycling enable more people to walk and cycle as Clubs – Access Sport (Hackney, Ealing, capacity is reduced on public transport Bexley, Harrow and Walthamstow) due to social distancing measures, and to • Walk and Talk Project – Southall help avoid a car-led recovery from the Community Alliance (Ealing) pandemic. • Lewisham Family Cycling Library – Climate Action (Lewisham) We received 128 applications, the highest • Over 60s Social & Cultural Walking number in the scheme’s five-year history. Group – Sport4Health (Westminster, A record 68 community and not-for-profit Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & groups have been selected for the Fulham) programme. • Bart’s WeCycle Rehab – Walk and Cycle London (Waltham Forest) The scheme is jointly funded in • Rutlish Recycle a Bike – Old Rutlishians partnership with The London Marathon Association (Merton) Charitable Trust as part of a new five-year programme to inspire Londoners to walk To mark the announcement of the latest and cycle, with many health benefits for winners, on 10 December the Mayor individuals and communities. We have visited The Cut in Lambeth where through conducted research that shows people traffic has been restricted to enable felt better physically and mentally when people walking and cycling. they introduced just 20 minutes of walking and cycling per day into their Cycle parking spaces for the Capital lives, with benefits including an improved On 12 January, we awarded funding of mood, feeling more alert and enjoying more than £1m to create up to 2,000 discovering new parts of London. On a much-needed new cycle parking spaces broader level, the funded projects will across the Capital, providing a further enable greater physical, social and boost to the Mayor’s bold Streetspace economic mobility, reduce social programme measures to boost walking exclusion and strengthen communities. and cycling.

The Trust, which distributes the surplus Enabling Londoners to cycle safely is generated from all events organised by its more important than ever. While the trading company, London Marathon current coronavirus rules state that Events Ltd, has awarded the scheme £2m people must stay at home unless there is over the five-year period as part of its a reasonable excuse, it is vital that as Strategic Partnerships Grants programme, many of these journeys as possible are created in 2018 to support big regional made by walking, cycling and public projects that inspire physical activity. The transport rather than by car. This will help

Commissioner’s report 29 to cut congestion and pollution in the programme, in addition to more than Capital and reduce the risk of a car-led 90km of new or upgraded cycle lanes that recovery, while also improving people's have been built or are under construction. health and activity levels and making extra space on public transport for those who Air quality education campaign need to use it. On 26 January, we launched a marketing campaign to educate London drivers on Funding has been awarded to 14 boroughs the issue of air quality. The campaign aims across inner and outer London, with the to raise awareness of what we and the cycle parking spaces being delivered over Mayor are doing to help improve air the coming months to ensure that cyclists quality, such as the central ULEZ. It will can benefit from the new infrastructure also help Londoners to consider using as soon as possible. The investment has their cars less and make more of their been carefully targeted, with around 900 journeys by sustainable modes, and spaces to be delivered along routes that support the need for the ULEZ expansion have been created or upgraded as part of which is coming into effect on 25 the Streetspace for London programme. October. A radio partnership with Global Radio is also part of the campaign, A further 1,100 spaces across London will including interviews with experts and be created using a mix of different parking Londoners about air quality, as well as a types, including on-street cycle parking, radio advert. residential cycle hangars and new cycle hubs at Tube and rail stations. In Enfield, Safer Streets the investment will create new parking A number of safety projects to improve spaces at doctors’ surgeries, helping dangerous junctions for vulnerable road people to cycle to appointments more users have completed or restarted on site easily, while in Merton, Sutton and over winter. To date, the following Kingston, there are plans to create 514 junctions have been completed: new spaces across 37 schools. • Britannia Junction in Camden We have also approved funding for the • Edgware Road/Harrow Road in first time for two cargo bike cycle hangars Westminster in Waltham Forest, which will be in Walthamstow and Wood Street town In addition, we have restarted the centres. The hangars, built for local following schemes: businesses, will be able to store two cargo bikes each, giving local businesses • Edgware Road/George Street, in more sustainable options for moving Westminster freight and delivery services. • Camberwell Green in Southwark • Dalston Junction in Hackney We will invest the rest of the funding in converting some temporary cycle parking Construction work is due to start at spaces outside Tube stations into Camden Road/Camden Street in early permanent cycle parking. We will also 2021, although some challenges remain in invest some of the funding to create a terms of synergy with recent borough-led new cycle parking hub for Hackney Streetspace for London improvements Central station, enabling more people in and concerns raised by some stakeholders the area to access the station by bike. during consultation.

More than 1,400 new cycle parking spaces Design and modelling work continues have been delivered on our road network across a number of high priority safety since May 2020 through the Streetspace schemes, including Holloway Road

Commissioner’s report 30 corridor improvements which are walk or cycle, where possible. To support approaching the end of the detailed this, we have worked to deliver the design stage, and York Road roundabout Mayor’s Streetspace for London which will soon commence detailed programme of temporary changes to design for changing road markings to help roads across London, rapidly creating a improve safety for motorcyclists. network of strategic cycle routes, extra Safer Streets improvement locations space for walking in town centres as well planned for delivery in 2021/22 include: as quieter roads in local neighbourhoods.

• Holloway Road/Drayton Park Changes to habits saw the proportion of • York Road roundabout – safety journeys made by walking and cycling improvements for motorcyclists increase significantly, from 29 per cent • Upper Richmond Road by East Putney between January and March 2020 to an station – including 20mph and estimated 46 per cent between April and pedestrian crossing improvements June 2020. Since then, the proportion of • A217 junction with Lumley Road – right- people walking and cycling has remained turn mitigation measures well above previous levels even as • A3 Robin Hood Way service road – restrictions eased and people began to improved lighting and speed reducing return to public transport, accounting for features to reinforce the 20mph speed an estimated 37 per cent of all journeys limit between July and September. • A23 Streatham High Road by Tesco – crossing improvements Normally, our annual report outlines • A23 Streatham High Road – closure of changes in travel habits for the full Gracefield Gardens junction to previous calendar year, in this case 2019. motorised vehicles and pedestrian This year, as a result of the dramatic crossing improvements changes to travel due to the coronavirus • A12/Ley Street junction – improvements pandemic, a new section has been added following the fatality of a powered to the report outlining the changes that two-wheeler rider have taken place since March 2020. • A10 junction with Edmonton County School – mitigate the impact of right- Other key insights include: turning traffic • A3220 Redcliffe Gardens - 20mph speed • The Mayor’s Streetspace for London limit and pedestrian crossing programme led to a huge increase in improvements the number of Londoners living within 400m of the London-wide cycle Travel in London report network, from 11.5 per cent to 17.9 per On 14 December, we published new data cent that shows the proportion of journeys • 31 per cent of Londoners say they are made by walking and cycling in the Capital walking to places where they used to has significantly increased since the travel by a different mode, 57 per cent pandemic began, as Londoners’ travel say they now walk more for exercise habits rapidly changed in the months and 42 per cent walk for longer than following the start of the first national they did before the pandemic lockdown in March 2020. • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations at some of London’s busiest roads Following the Government's advice at the reduced by around half during March time for people to stay at home and stop and April 2020 – when the tightest non-essential social contact, Londoners national lockdown measures were in were told not to use public transport full effect unless making an essential journey and to

Commissioner’s report 31 • The proportion of journeys made Air quality and the environment by private transport increased a Ultra Low Emission Zone and Direct worrying amount, from 38 per cent Vision Standard between January and March 2020, to 45 The Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which per cent between March and June 2020. covers most of Greater London, encourages the most polluting heavy These findings show how important the diesel vehicles driving in the Capital to programme is to enable more journeys to become cleaner by setting minimum be safely made by walking and cycling and standards for emissions. These standards achieve a green recovery to the pandemic. are being tightened on 1 March 2021 for buses, coaches and lorries in line with the TfL Go app requirements for the central London We launched our TfL Go app on Android ULEZ. on 9 December following a successful launch on iOS earlier in the year. The app Improvements to the Direct Vision helps people plan their journeys and Standard (DVS) permit application system travel safely across the Capital. It also were successfully deployed on 24 displays the quiet times for every station November. In addition, the technical on our network and allows users to see deployment of the DVS enforcement the fastest, alternative, and step-free system was completed on 15 December in routes for any journey planned. preparation for the customer-facing operational go live on 1 March 2021. We The app also supports our continuing have reminded all heavy goods vehicle commitment to make journeys for those (HGV) operators to apply for a free safety with accessibility needs as easy as permit as soon as possible. From 1 March possible. Customers can easily find 2021, all owners of HGVs over 12 tonnes – accessibility information with the app’s including those rated between one-star step-free mode and easy-to-navigate and five-star – will need to display a valid views of all stations which currently have permit to continue operating in the street-to-platform accessibility. Capital or will need to fit Safe System measures to improve the vehicle's safety. For the first time, our free ‘open data’ will The Direct Vision Standard will operate 24 also include data to enable developers to hours a day, seven days a week and will be show live lift disruption along these step- enforced on all roads in London. free routes, making it easier for those with accessibility needs to avoid stations Following on from the successful where lifts are temporarily out of action technical cutover of the Capita system on for planned maintenance or repair. Since 30 November 2020, the post 16 December, this new data has been implementation period of additional incorporated into the iOS version of the system monitoring and validation was app, with plans to update the Android completed by Capita as planned on 14 version shortly. Future features will also December 2020. On 4 December, we contain toilet information and include completed the recruitment of operational Thameslink on the Tube map. staff and training material has been baselined ahead of staff training due to The app has been a success with start on 29 January 2021. We have customers and there have been more continued our marketing campaign for than 70,000 downloads so far.

Commissioner’s report 32 From 1 March 2021, heavy goods vehicles will need to display a valid safety permit to operate in the Capital

LEZ and DVS changes in recent months, deal with the increased volumes of data with targeted letters sent to customers that the larger zone will bring. We have identified as being subject to both successfully completed the first key schemes, using data from the DVLA testing cycles between the back-office database. systems, paving the way to migrate all systems to the cloud that has been Ultra Low Emission Zone Expansion established. Additionally, we have In 2019, we introduced the world’s first 24- continued with the installation of new hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in cameras across the expanded zone, with central London. This has had a more than 300 fitted to date. Cameras transformational impact on air pollution, are in line with privacy agreements and contributing to a 44 per cent reduction in we have ensured the total numbers of roadside NO2 levels within its boundaries. cameras rolled out is kept to a minimum. From 25 October 2021, the existing central We have also started installing the London ULEZ will expand up to the North foundation sockets for the boundary Circular Road (A406) and South Circular signs. Road (A205), creating a much larger zone that will help improve air quality for Work continues on the marketing millions of Londoners. Cars, motorcycles, campaign to raise awareness of the ULEZ minibuses (up to 5 tonnes), vans (up to 3.5 expansion and educate drivers on how tonnes) and other specialist vehicles and where the scheme will operate, driving within the boundary will need to encouraging them to check their vehicles meet the required ULEZ emissions and plan their options ahead of October. standards or pay a daily charge. This campaign includes posters, radio adverts, press and online advertising, door A key element of this expansion is to drop leaflets to residents living along the migrate the existing operational systems boundary, press activity and stakeholder to a cloud-based platform to be able to engagement, and will run until launch.

Commissioner’s report 33 Heavy vehicle scrappage schemes advance notice of our intention to We operate London’s £48m vehicle commence the scheme in April 2021. In the scrappage schemes which help drivers in intervening period, we will work closely London scrap their older, more polluting with all impacted stakeholders to ensure vehicles to meet required emissions everyone is operationally ready. The standards. The grants have been targeted scheme changes include extending the at small businesses, charities and low network coverage to 69 per cent (from 56 income and disabled Londoners to help per cent), additional charging locations on remove older vehicles which do not meet cycle routes, new proposals for footway the ULEZ and LEZ requirements off the charges and increased opportunities for roads and clean up London's air. After 18 work promoters to complete work in the months of operation, the scrappage evening without incurring a charge. scheme was suspended to vans due to high demand and limited funds, but This new scheme will incentivise remains open to charities. To date, the excellence in safety and help support scheme has supported the scrapping of economic recovery and development, more than 3,500 vehicles. We continue to with discounts proposed where major issue grant payments to applicants of the infrastructure improvement works are heavy vehicle scrappage scheme, with 45 being undertaken. As with the current vehicles scrapped to date. While the scheme, regulations require that any net heavy vehicle scheme was only available proceeds generated by the scheme are for a short period, due to high demand reinvested back into London’s roadworks and limited funds, we have recently industry to improve the adverse effects secured an additional £344k of funding via that roadworks often have on people's underspend from the GLA’s Good Growth journeys. Since the inaugural scheme Air Quality Fund, to enable an additional started in 2012, more than £20m has been 156 heavy vehicles to be scrapped. awarded towards innovation projects to develop new technology, modernise The ULEZ car and motorcycle scrappage operational practice and reduce scheme remains open to applicants. This disruption from roadworks to a bare scheme has supported the scrapping of minimum. The cost benefit to society for more than 3,400 vehicles to date and has reducing the delay in traffic from this seen a significant rise in applications in investment is estimated to be more than recent months. We have been able to £100m. rebalance funding between the scrappage schemes in order to keep this scheme Rapid charging running as long as possible, as funds are To support the growing number of Zero returned to other schemes through Emission Capable (ZEC) taxis and the uncompleted applications. Based on wider take-up of electric vehicles, we are current uptake rates, we have a degree of spending £18m and working with the certainty that the ULEZ car and boroughs and other organisations to build motorcycle scrappage scheme will have a network of rapid charge points across enough funds to continue until the end of London. March, but depending on van redemption rates it could be extended further. On 17 December, we reached our target of 300 rapid charge points installed and Lane rental scheme to support healthy commissioned, despite some delays due streets to the pandemic. We have also continued The Government has approved our work on hub sites at Baynard House in the application to operate a modified lane City of London and Glass Yard in rental scheme. Stakeholders have been Greenwich, both due for completion in provided with the required three months’ spring 2021.

Commissioner’s report 34 Making buses greener late February 2021 and set to be We raised 99 per cent of our core 9,000 completed in summer 2021. bus fleet to the ultra-clean Euro VI engine emission standard by the end of 2020, Bus corridor review workshops have been completing this by the beginning of finalised on eight strategic bus corridors. January. To help schools restart last year These include: and to enable social distancing measures, we brought in extra buses to supplement • Camberwell to New Cross school services until spring 2021. As a • Harrow Road result, we do not expect to get the entire • New Cross to Deptford fleet to 100 per cent until they are no • Elephant and Castle to Camberwell longer required and can be phased out. • New Kent Road • Highbury Corner to Hackney Central We currently have 418 zero-emission • North Greenwich to Charlton buses in the fleet and will be increasing • Bricklayers to Dun Cow this number up to 700 by the end of 2021, subject to no further lockdowns or delays These corridors have been targeted for to vehicle delivery and roll out. Our plan small-scale, rapid-delivery improvements. is to seek continued funding from central A pipeline of schemes will now flow out Government and fares to increase this of the reviews for delivery in 2020/21 and total to 2,000 vehicles by 2025 to further 2021/22. Further bus corridor reviews will improve air quality in London and help be conducted in early 2021 to strengthen tackle climate change. Ultimately, we aim the scheme pipeline for 2021/22 and to have an entirely zero-tailpipe emission beyond. fleet by 2037 and with support from Government we continue to work Eco-friendly sleepers towards an accelerated date. We are replacing wooden sleepers on our Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Bus priority District and Bakerloo line tracks with eco- Work to convert all bus lanes on our road friendly plastic composite versions. These network to operate at all times is nearing new sleepers are made from 99 per cent completion, with 79km of 84km recycled plastic and promise far greater converted. We anticipate converting all durability than their hardwood 84km by March 2021, under an equivalents. They can bear the repeated experimental traffic order. Work has load of a 200-tonne passenger train with begun to support some of the London less frequent warping and cracking. These boroughs to convert their bus lanes to polymer sleepers move less when a train 24/7 operation. goes over them, which reduces wear and tear on the rails and joints. It also makes Design work continues on three new bus for a quieter, smoother riding experience. lanes in Central London, which will see one kilometre of additional bus lanes The new sleepers are particularly useful in delivered on Vauxhall Bridge Road, New depots and sidings where the track form Kent Road and Tower Bridge Road in is comprised of compressed ash, without March 2021. This is in addition to 600m of drainage, which causes the existing bus lane that has recently been sleepers to rot. The new sleepers have an introduced by the London Borough of expected service life of about three to Brent. Detailed design on Wealdstone four times that of traditional wooden Town Centre, a significant bus priority sleepers and they can be taken back and scheme in Harrow, is nearing completion. recycled by manufacturers at the end of This project is due to start construction in their lifecycle to further improve their environmental credentials.

Commissioner’s report 35 We have replaced the wooden sleepers on our London Underground tracks with an eco-friendly version on the Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, District and Bakerloo lines

Old Street roundabout and permanently close the Construction is progressing at Old Street northwest arm. This final traffic switch roundabout, with a new design which will will enable construction to start for the bring safety improvements to cyclists and new main station entrance, goods and pedestrians by providing new and passenger lifts and public space. improved crossings, fully segregated cycle Demolition work to create the opening in lanes, and a new public space with an the peninsula for the new main station accessible main entrance to Old Street entrance has started and is on track for Underground station and the subsurface completion over the month of February. shopping arcade. This will enable construction of the substructure works to begin, with the The main works are continuing with superstructure works scheduled to start construction of the new station entrance in July 2021. Installation of the critical fire at Cowper Street, which is now set to be safety systems works in the shopping completed and opened in July 2021. Good arcade area below the surface will begin progress continues to be made on in spring 2021, following the completion of construction of the side walls before the the fabrication and installation designs by precast stairs, glass cladding and canopy the specialist supplier. As a result of the roof installed from February 2021. pandemic, there is a reduced number of Following the completion of the customers currently using Old Street remaining station roof strengthening Underground station. The station is works on the northeast side of the operating normally and not implementing peninsula in December 2020, the final an exit-only operation at present, but we traffic management switch on the continue to monitor this approach in the roundabout was successfully completed event that numbers increase over the over the weekend of 15-18 January 2021, to coming weeks. reopen the northeast arm of the

Commissioner’s report 36 Completion of the project is scheduled sustainable travel fund for boundary for autumn 2022. boroughs, which could respond to local transport priorities and help provide Feasibility study for the Greater London better alternatives to car use. boundary charge On 11 December, the Independent Panel If a proposal was to be taken forward, it set up by the Mayor in summer 2020 to would be subject to statutory public and identify options for the long-term stakeholder consultation. Should the financial sustainability of TfL issued its proposal require a change to the Mayor’s report. Among its recommendations for Transport Strategy, then this would also further investigation were options for require a consultation, including by the road user charging, which it identified as London Assembly. having the potential to create at least £1.5bn per year. The panel noted that this Thameslink services added to Tube map would also bring policy benefits and could We have temporarily added Thameslink take various forms including a boundary services to the world-famous London charge. Underground map until the end of 2021. This will help customers navigate their In his response to the report, the Mayor way around the Capital more easily during called on the Government to allow TfL to the continuing pandemic whilst social keep the £500m paid by Londoners in distancing remains a priority. Vehicle Excise Duty every year. If the Government do not agree, other ways of This temporary change has been made to raising money to overcome the highlight to customers that Thameslink is unprecedented financial challenges we operating a service through London. The face as a result of the pandemic may be change will see Thameslink services needed. The Mayor therefore asked that within Zones 1 to 6 (as well as Dartford we investigate the feasibility of a new and Swanley), shown on maps displayed in Greater London boundary charge for non- stations, the pocket Tube map, on our residents. A £3.50 daily charge, which website and on the TfL Go app. would apply once a day regardless of how many times the boundary was crossed, This will help further encourage the use would help further contribute to a green of public transport to safely travel across recovery for London by reducing the London, aiding social distancing and number of vehicles entering the Capital reducing the risk of a car-led recovery. and could raise around £500m every year. Step-free information has been added for The boundary charge would apply on top all Thameslink stations shown, further of any existing or planned charges such as aiding those with accessibility needs to the Congestion Charge and the ULEZ travel around London. charge. As part of the Bank Station capacity We are now working on a feasibility study upgrade work, there will be forthcoming which will consider the practicality, cost, closures to the Bank branch of the alternatives to and impacts of such a Northern line. Customers will benefit charge. As part of this work, we will look from using Thameslink services as an at options for a higher charge for more alternative route option and be able to polluting vehicles, options for different better plan their journeys. charging hours and days, and potential discounts and exemptions. Any revenue Heathrow generated from the scheme would be The Supreme Court gave its judgement in reinvested into London’s transport. We the long running Heathrow third runway will also examine the potential for a litigation on 16 December 2020,

Commissioner’s report 37 overturning the Court of Appeal’s judgement and allowing Heathrow Airport Limited’s appeal. As a result, the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which allows for expansion of Heathrow Airport, is once again a lawful document. The Supreme Court found that the Secretary of State took the UK’s climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement into account when preparing and designating the statement. The advice of the Committee on Climate Change had been followed and the statement provides for the planning permission application to be assessed in line with climate change targets which apply at the time. They also disagreed with the Court of Appeal’s finding that the Paris Agreement was Government policy. The Mayor and TfL were not parties to the Supreme Court appeal but had supported the climate change grounds of the challenge in the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal stages.

A response to the Mayor’s request for the statement to be reviewed, made in October 2019, is still outstanding. Efforts will continue to have the Secretary of State review and withdraw the statement, given it is unlikely that planning permission (by way of a development consent order) could be granted in respect of the third runway in light of the revised carbon reduction targets in the Climate Change Act and the advice of the Committee of Climate Change regarding international aviation emissions and airport capacity expansion. The approach to aviation and airport capacity is also likely to need to be re-assessed in light of the impacts of the pandemic.

Commissioner’s report 38

6 Crossrail

Health and safety remains a top priority Integration Dynamic Testing (SIDT) to start and overall performance is kept under on 3 December 2020. This stage provides a constant scrutiny and has remained stable valuable opportunity to test the complex for the previous two periods. systems in operational-like scenarios and begin to understand the reliability and Collaborative meetings to discuss the software performance of the railway. coronavirus pandemic are held regularly Early indications show SIDT was hugely with senior leadership, and we continue successful, with over 20,000 miles of to review project resilience and continuity tests run along the railway in the first plans. Additional measures have been period – greater mileage than previously initiated which include the suspension of achieved in the project’s test operations. all non-essential visits to project sites and the elimination of multi-site visits where A third construction blockade was possible. undertaken over the festive period to complete residual works on the routeway. Good progress has continued across the The blockade achieved 98 per cent project in line with our plan to enter trial productivity against the plan, similar to running at the earliest opportunity in 2021 the two preceding blockades. These and open the Elizabeth line in the first blockades have helped to recover half of 2022, if not sooner. significant time lost due to the pandemic.

There are two critical paths to opening TfL Rail services continues to deliver the railway. The first is trial running, which excellent performance with service is a period of intensive operational testing performance consistently above target of the railway and is a pivotal milestone for the year. From 22 December 2020, the for the programme. Once this begins, it nine-car Class 345 trains were re- will provide the project with further introduced out of Paddington and have so certainty around the opening of the far performed well and in line with central section. The second critical path is expectations, with a further software the handover of stations to infrastructure update on course to be delivered and managers. The formal handover is taking brought into use at the beginning of place in stages to take account of the February. challenges presented in handing over and commissioning these huge and complex The current focus of readiness activity to assets. prepare for the opening of the Elizabeth line continues to be the review and All shafts and portals have now been acceptance of asset data, drawings and handed over and all central section operational and maintenance manuals. stations, including Bond Street, are This is a large and complex area that is certified to support trial running. critical to the safe handover of assets Dynamic testing of the signalling and train from Crossrail, and we continue to work systems has completed with mitigations collaboratively to complete this process in place and bug fixes applied to future as soon as possible to the required software releases. This enabled System standard.

Commissioner’s Report 39

7 Finance

TfL Financial Sustainability Plan every lever and opportunity across the On 11 January 2021, we submitted our organisation, including income streams, Financial Sustainability Plan to the commercial opportunities, funding Government, as part of our commitments mechanisms, cost bases, governance within the H2 Funding Agreement. The structures and liquidity. plan describes in detail how we can achieve financial sustainability, covering Around £3bn in financial support will be costs of day-to-day operations, needed from the Government in 2021/22. maintenance and financing by 2023/24. It While the medium to long-term impact of also clearly demonstrates how an the pandemic on travel demand is equitable and longer-term funding unknown, a significant financial gap will settlement will support the Mayor’s remain over the in the nearer term. The Transport Strategy objectives and the plan explores a range of options which are Government’s levelling up and likely to be needed to ensure that we can decarbonisation agendas which, through continue to deliver the transport services our range of shovel-ready projects, will the city needs. boost the UK economy and aid recovery from the pandemic. It forms the start of It makes the case for a revised funding the negotiating process and further model with a predictable structure of discussions with the Government, with financing in multi-year “Control Periods” much to be discussed before any final like Network Rail and Highways England, decisions are made. while retaining and respecting the devolved framework and statutory Prior to the pandemic, we were on track obligations of the Mayor. It also assumes to deliver an operating surplus by receipt of £500 million per annum from 2022/23, but the massive fall in ridership Vehicle Excise Duty or a possible new caused by the pandemic has decimated Greater London Boundary Charge, which our finances, due to our funding is something that would need to follow model’s heavy reliance on fare statutory processes, including revenue. The lack of sustainable long- consultation. Other measure we will term funding for an organisation whose explore include reviewing our investment assets have an average life span of around programme to support a decarbonised 30 years has led to an inefficient approach transport network by focusing on urgent to maintenance, renewal and priorities; progressing our planned savings replacement. and achieving further operational savings, and working with Government to develop The plan is informed by our Budget our commercial development submission to the GLA; Long-term Capital programme. Plan, and submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and We are uniquely placed to help drive a with consideration of the strong and resilient future for recommendations in the Independent London. With London’s transport network Panel Review report which was published crucial to the UK economy, we on 11 December 2020. We have looked at are seeking Government support for a

Commissioner’s Report 40 plan which will drive a green economic During the second national lockdown, recovery, with a focus on maintaining which lasted from 5 November to 2 service levels and decarbonising transport December, Tube journeys fell to almost by 2030, while still achieving a level of 80 per cent below last year compared to financial self-sustainability greater than figures of around 65 per cent during many mass transit systems around the October. In the same period, bus journeys world. fell to almost 55 per cent below last year compared to around 44 per cent during Our financial performance to date October. At the end of Quarter 3, Tube Our latest financial report covers the journeys had returned to 66 per cent and period from 1 April to 12 December, bus journeys to 44 per cent below last equivalent to the period to the end of year. With London entering Tier 4 in late Quarter 3 of 2020/21. Our financial December 2020 and the new national performance is measured against our lockdown in place since 5 January 2021, Budget submission to the GLA, as movement has been restricted to presented to Board on 9 December 2020, essential travel only, with overall and includes up to £1.8bn of Government journeys declining further and Tube funding for H2, after including £160m of journeys around 85 per cent down on last additional savings required as part of the year and bus journeys almost 60 per cent H2 funding agreement. These savings will down. Under the new funding agreement be made mainly through higher other with the Government, we do not carry the operating income, by reducing capital financial risk from lower journeys, until 31 expenditure, deferring some non-safety- March 2021 as we receive a revenue top up critical programmes and through cost and to a predetermined level. Up to the end cash control measures. of Period 9, we have received £548m in grant funding in the second half of the Our year to date position on the net cost financial year, 2020/21, which included of operations, our day-to-day operating £63m of revenue top up. deficit including capital renewals and financing costs, was a deficit of £1,022m, The temporary changes made to the £30m better than the GLA Budget Congestion Charge in Quarter 1 (increased submission. charging times and rate) remain in place. The year to date position is slightly lower This improvement is largely due to £100m than budget. of passenger income contingency we had included in the latest forecast, covering Operating costs are £29m lower than the period since further restrictions were expected, with almost half of this driven implemented, reflecting the high degree by lower core costs. We continue to of uncertainty in the impact of the enforce the spend control measures restrictions and consequent journey implemented at the start of the year, levels. However, passenger income which we have been reviewing and remains significantly below last year, with tightening as needed since. revenue reduced by 66 per cent, or almost £2.3bn over the three quarters. Overall, our spend on capital renewals and new capital investment is £27m, As part of the H2 funding agreement with or four per cent, lower than our Budget Government, we receive funding for submission which includes the capital losses in passenger revenue (up to an savings identified as part of the additional agreed level). We have seen higher than £160m savings target. Spend to date is expected journeys and income in the significantly lower than last year, by 24 Quarter, which has meant the funding per cent. The year-to-date variance is from Government is lower (£109m). driven by the slower ramp up on London Underground renewals and smaller variances across most programmes

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Commissioner’s Report 42