News on Travel - Headlines

TfL - Mayor Welcomes Improvements to Key Piers in Time for Olympics

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:29:12 +0000

Capacity increased to accommodate more passengers now, during the 2012 Games and beyond.

Two key strategic piers on the Thames have been improved to accommodate more passengers and provide better facilities in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.

In line with the Mayor's goal to boost passenger numbers and improve services on the Thames, London River Services has now installed improvements at Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier.

A 30-metre extension of Tower Pier has increased capacity by 25 per cent on one of London's busiest piers.

Passengers using the pier will find it better lit, thanks to a new low energy lighting system which operates solely from energy generated by solar panels on the pier roof.

Passengers using Greenwich Pier are also benefiting from a brand new UK built roofing system and a new lighting system that improves the ambience of the passenger areas.

London River Services has completed the works well ahead of the London 2012 Games to ensure a relaxing and scenic route for passengers between central London and events being held in River Zone venues in Greenwich.

Passenger numbers on the river have increased by one million over the past four years but the Mayor is committed to improving river services further.

Work is under way to increase pier capacity on the Thames by 20 per cent and potentially open up the river to half a million more users by the end of 2012.

The improvements to Tower and Greenwich piers are only a part of that work.

A new St George Wharf Pier was opened by the Mayor last September, which was completely funded by a developer and supported by Transport for London (TfL).

Opening the pier has allowed the extension of the River Bus network further west to Vauxhall.

Funding has also been secured to deliver a new ticket office for Embankment Pier, which will be installed in April.

The new office will free up capacity on the pier and significantly improve the pier entrance.

Work is taking place to reconfigure the passenger waiting and queuing systems in order to improve boarding/alighting systems and reduce vessel dwell time at the pier.

The EDF Energy London Eye is also improving its facilities at London Eye Millennium Pier to provide increased capacity in time for the London 2012 Games.

Planning permission has been granted for new piers at Plantation Wharf and at Enderby Wharf. Plus a planning application has been submitted to remove the existing Savoy pier and replace it with a brand new one.

The Deputy Mayor for Transport Isabel Dedring said: 'London is gearing up for a summer like no other and transport improvements such as these are a key part of our planning for a successful Games.

'Travelling to sporting venues by river will be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience our great city. But crucially, better piers also make it easier for Londoners before and after the sporting summer which is a core goal for the Mayor.'

With real time boat information at many piers, new Tube-style river maps, improved signage to piers and services and Oyster pay-as-you-go acceptance on Thames Clipper services, it has never been easier to set sail and see London from a new perspective.

River Bus services operate every 20-30 minutes throughout the day, giving easy access to a number of locations from Embankment in the west to Woolwich Arsenal in the east.

A number of River Tours services also operate from piers including Greenwich Pier, Tower Pier and London Eye Pier offering a more leisurely river sightseeing experience.

Separate works are being undertaken by private developers in the Greenwich promenade area. These works are part of a wider redevelopment of the area that will provide improved access, improved ticket office facilities for river services and two new restaurants. These infrastructure enhancements build on improvements that TfL has made to river service information that make it easier for Londoners and visitors to make the most of the River Thames.

MTA Announce Service Plans for Martin Luther King Jr Day

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:33:51 +0000

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) service will operate on special schedules in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16.

New York City Subway and Staten Island Railway

The New York City Subway and the Staten Island Railway will operate on a regular weekday schedule. There is no special Get Away service on the Staten Island Railway.

Buses in New York City

All buses operated by MTA New York City Transit and the MTA Bus Company will operate on a regular weekday schedule with these exceptions.

Nine limited-stop bus routes on Staten Island will not operate: S81, S84, S86, S90, S91, S92, S94, S96, and S98. Local service on these routes will continue to operate.
There will be no limited-stop service on four bus routes in Queens (although local service will continue to run on these routes): Q6, Q21, Q25 and Q65.
The S89 and S93, as well as all other local, express, limited-stop and Select Bus Service buses will run their normal weekday schedules.

All other local, express, limited-stop and Select Bus Service buses, as well as subways, will run the normal weekday routes during their normal weekday hours, with slightly longer wait times on some routes.

Long Island Rail Road

The LIRR will operate on a holiday schedule with extra trains added. There will be 37 extra eastbound and westbound trains, to and from Penn Station, added on various branches to accommodate holiday travelers. Off-peak fares will also be in effect all day.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) service will operate on special schedules in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16.

New York City Subway and Staten Island Railway

The New York City Subway and the Staten Island Railway will operate on a regular weekday schedule. There is no special Get Away service on the Staten Island Railway.

Buses in New York City

All buses operated by MTA New York City Transit and the MTA Bus Company will operate on a regular weekday schedule with these exceptions.

Nine limited-stop bus routes on Staten Island will not operate: S81, S84, S86, S90, S91, S92, S94, S96, and S98. Local service on these routes will continue to operate.
There will be no limited-stop service on four bus routes in Queens (although local service will continue to run on these routes): Q6, Q21, Q25 and Q65.
The S89 and S93, as well as all other local, express, limited-stop and Select Bus Service buses will run their normal weekday schedules.

Long Island Rail Road

Metro-North Railroad

Metro-North Railroad will operate on a Saturday schedule with 32 additional trains as indicated in the current Harlem, Hudson and New Haven Line timetables. Off peak fares apply all day.

MTA Introduces New Winter Weather Guide

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:20:29 +0000

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is continuing its efforts to improve customer communications with the introduction of the Winter Weather Guide.

Harsh winter weather may prevent some MTA services from operating normally, so the MTA has created a colorful and informative poster designed to alert riders to foul weather service changes. The new Winter Weather Guide explains service adjustments for MTA New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, Staten Island Railway and Bridges & Tunnels. This service poster is available for viewing online and posted in subway and rail stations.

The Winter Weather Guide is a handy guide to keep customers informed during periods of heavy snow, ice and freezing rain that require service changes. The poster provides information about service on each of the MTA's agencies with a description of the weather condition and how that weather may affect operations.

The poster details how extreme cold, combined with snow and ice could impact service -- ranging from the elimination of express service to the temporary reduction or suspension of service. Similar information is provided for all MTA agencies and it is all part of the MTA's "Know Before You Go" philosophy, which helps keep riders informed and provides as much real-time information as possible.

While forecasted temperatures and snow accumulations play a key role in preparations, the actual intensity of the storm, road conditions, and the ability to clear tracks will dictate the level of service that can be safely provided and/or restored.

When the forecast calls for severe winter weather, MTA customers should allow for additional travel time and remember, service alerts are posted on the MTA home page at www.mta.info. Customers can also tune into local television and radio stations for the latest transit and traffic conditions.

MTA Holiday Travel for Christmas Weekend

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:18:30 +0000

The Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and Staten Island Railway are offering extra, early-afternoon service on Friday, Dec. 23, for those customers looking for an early start to the Christmas holiday weekend.

On Monday, Dec. 26, New York City subways and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule, the LIRR will operate on a regular weekday schedule, and Metro-North will operate on a Saturday schedule.

New York City Subways and Buses

New York City subways and buses will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Friday, Dec. 23. They will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Dec. 26.

MTA Long Island Rail Road

On Friday, Dec. 23, the LIRR will provide 14 extra trains in the early afternoon for those customers looking to get an early start to the holiday weekend. On Monday, Dec. 26, the LIRR will operate a regular weekday schedule.

MTA Metro-North Railroad

On Friday, Dec. 23, Metro-North will provide 20 extra trains in the early afternoon for those customers looking to get an early start to the holiday weekend. On Monday, Dec. 26, Metro-North will operate on a Saturday schedule. Shoppers Specials will operate.

MTA Staten Island Railway

Staten Island customers looking to get a head start on their holiday celebrations will be able to catch earlier afternoon express train service on Friday, Dec. 23, with Staten Island Railway's Early Departure Get Away schedule. This schedule means extra SIR trains will be added earlier in the afternoon beginning at 2:30 p.m. from the St. George Ferry Terminal. There will be one express train and one local train awaiting every boat until 7:50 p.m. On Monday, Dec. 26, SIR will operate on a weekend schedule.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels

To ease travel for holiday travelers, routine maintenance and temporary construction work at all MTA Bridges and Tunnels crossings will be suspended beginning Noon on Friday, Dec. 23, until after the morning rush hour on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

TfL - Mayor Hails Successful Bid to Make more London Overground Stations Step Free

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:06:18 +0000

Passengers with restricted mobility, parents with buggies, the elderly and travellers with heavy luggage are all set to benefit from easier access to London Overground stations thanks to funding to make the stations step free.

London Overground has successfully secured over £5 million towards the cost of lifts at six London Overground stations from the Department for Transport's Access for All scheme, which aims to improve step-free access on the nation's railways.

Crystal Palace station, which currently only has stair access, will see a new lift as part of the wider work to upgrade the station.

The major refurbishment of the station including improved accessibility, passenger information and the reopening of the Victorian booking hall is expected to begin in spring 2012, with work hoped to be complete by mid 2013.

A detailed design has already been undertaken for the station and a contractor is due to be appointed to deliver the upgrade work.

It is expected that the new lifts will be installed at the other five stations in 2014 bringing the total number of accessible stations on the network to 42 stations.

Thanks to previous funding from the Access for All scheme, lifts are currently being installed at Camden Road, Gospel Oak, Hackney Central and Wembley Central stations, which will all have step-free access in time for the London 2012 Games.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'We have fought tremendously hard for this funding and I am delighted that lifts will now be possible at Hampstead Heath Crystal Palace, West Hampstead, Kensal Rise, South Tottenham and Blackhorse Road stations for passengers who need them.

'Accessibility is a top priority and I am determined to continue to campaign for access funding across the entire network.'

Mike Brown, Managing Director at LU, said: 'These lifts will make a huge difference to our passengers and will make it easier for them to access our services. We will continue to look in to other means of funding accessibility improvements on the Overground network.

'Meanwhile, lifts are already being installed at a number of stations in time for the London 2012 Games.'

TfL - Mayor and DfT Announce 10m Investment to Cut Pollution from London's Bus Fleet

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:51:17 +0000

Up to 1,000 buses will be fitted with innovative equipment to reduce pollution as part of the Mayor's plans to deliver cleaner air for London.

This will be Europe's largest initiative of its kind and follows a commitment of £5million from the Department for Transport and an equal sum from Transport for London (TfL).

London's bus fleet is already the cleanest in the UK but buses are still a major source of NOx - a harmful pollutant - especially in inner London.

The new equipment will cut NOx emissions from buses by around 400 tonnes - around 10 per cent of all bus NOx emissions - making a substantial contribution to delivering the Mayor's air quality ambitions.

TfL will target the funding at bus routes where concentrations of NOx are highest, with the first conversions expected by summer 2012.

The move will build on the year-long trial of the new equipment currently underway on a small fleet of buses.

It is hoped that the London initiative will also help promote UK jobs in manufacturing and supplying clean vehicle technology.

This is one way the Mayor is delivering cleaner air for London.

Other measures include targeted initiatives at pollution hotspots, tighter Low Emission Zone standards in early 2012 and cleaner taxis.

In addition, the Mayor's New Bus for London uses the latest generation of green technology, making it 40 per cent cleaner than a standard diesel vehicle.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'This is a significant step forward in our plans to deliver cleaner air in London. Road pollution is a health risk to Londoners and I am implementing a range of innovative measures to tackle a legacy of poor air quality.

'I warmly welcome the Government's generous support for our ambitious plans to make London's bus fleet cleaner and greener to improve quality of life.'

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: 'The Department for Transport is concerned about air pollution levels in London and offered £5m to TfL to help clean up polluting buses, subject to match funding being agreed.

'I am delighted that the Mayor has done so. This is in addition to a 3rd round for the Green Bus Fund worth £20m for buses across England.'

Meeting standards

The Mayor's air quality strategy proposes that, subject to funding, all London buses should meet Euro IV (categories of vehicle approved by Europe to meet cleaner pollution levels) standards for NOx by 2015.

Currently, all 8,500 London buses already meet the Euro IV standard for PM (particulate matter) and are compliant with the next stage of Low Emission Zone requirements being introduced next year.

This new equipment will be fitted to older Euro III buses to bring them to Euro IV NOx standards.

The funding announced today follows lobbying by the Mayor to the Government to support this policy and will help in working towards the NO2 limit value.

TfL estimates that by 2015, 7,500 buses will be Euro IV NOx compliant (through replacing older buses with newer, cleaner models or through retrofitting). Additional funding is now being sought for the replacement or retrofitting of an estimated remaining 1,000 Euro III buses which would need to meet this standard by 2015.

TfL has taken considerable steps in the last 10 years to reduce the environmental impact of its bus fleet.

As a result, emissions of PM10 from the fleet have dropped from over 200 tonnes in 1997 to 14 tonnes in 2010.

This announcement moves the fleet towards its goal of delivering similar reductions for NOx.

Mike Weston, London Buses Operations Director, said: 'London continues to look for ways to improve the emissions and environmental performance of the bus fleet and this funding will ensure that we continue to have the cleanest bus fleet in the UK.'

The buses will be retrofitted with 'selective catalytic reduction' equipment.

MTA Prepares for Winter Weather

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:55:36 +0000

With winter approaching, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) agencies are making preparations to provide safe service in the event of snow and ice storms.

Incorporating lessons learned during last winter's record-setting blizzards and snowstorms, MTA agencies have improved customer communication practices, instituted new winter weather response procedures and upgraded storm-fighting equipment.

"Last winter's weather was tough for New York and the MTA, but we've made improvements to our service protocols, equipment and communications to provide the best possible service this year," said MTA Executive Director Joseph J. Lhota. "We're prepared to clear more snow and ice than ever before and we'll be working hard to keep service running, but we won't hesitate to suspend service on parts of our system when it's necessary to protect the safety of our riders, employees and equipment."

The MTA has appointed an emergency coordinator to facilitate MTA-wide storm response coordination and information sharing and has improved procedures to deliver more detailed and reliable status information on the MTA's website. It has overseen the implementation of improved preparation and response procedures, details of which are provided in the attached press releases and summarized below.

New York City Transit

New York City Transit is hard at work preparing an impressive fleet of snow and ice-fighting equipment to be sent out into the system in order to keep hundreds of miles of outdoor track and third rail clear of snow and ice when a winter weather plan is put into effect.
After unprecedented conditions during the December 26, 2010 blizzard, NYCT took steps to strengthen storm preparedness and response, including establishing situation rooms, adopting procedures for preemptive curtailment of service and incorporating dedicated customer advocates.
For buses, NYC Transit has worked with the New York City Department of Sanitation to prioritize bus routes for plowing. Sanitation will share real-time plowing information with MTA bus dispatchers during snow events.

Metro-North Railroad

Metro-North Railroad also has improved the content and coordination of real-time information with the creation of a Customer Communications Center.
Metro-North has expanded and upgraded its snow-fighting arsenal, adding three new jet turbines, two new snow blowing trucks, 150 upgraded switch heaters, and an additional front-end loader and backhoe.
Metro-North is reconfiguring an older snow-blower to blow snow off of the vulnerable tops of New Haven Line trains.

Long Island Rail Road

The LIRR has beefed up its Public Information Office and centralized all customer communication efforts.
The LIRR has prepared and strategically pre-positioned its fleet of snow fighting equipment with full preventative maintenance servicing and functional testing. The fleet includes a new ballast regulator/snow fighter designed for removal of snow on our main track and in yards and three new jet snow blowers.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels

MTA Bridges and Tunnels crews are hard at work getting its snow and ice-fighting equipment ready to battle the upcoming winter weather, including storing 9,000 tons of deicer and preparing its fleet of 102 trucks.
The snow-fighting fleet includes 45 vehicles equipped with ground temperature sensors. These sensors tell the operator and bridge managers if the roadway is in danger of freezing.
Bridges are equipped with imbedded roadway sensors for temperature and above-ground atmospheric sensors that deliver real-time information on wind velocity, wind direction, humidity and precipitation via wireless communication.

TfL - Mayor Announces Revised Fares for 2012 after Securing Additional £136m Government Funding

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:16:19 +0000

Overall Transport for London (TfL) fares to rise by 5.6 per cent.

Lower rises come at no cost to TfL, ensuring transport upgrades and frontline services protected in full.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today announced that fares on TfL's services for 2012 will rise by just above inflation, 5.6 per cent on average, after he secured £136m from the Government to help the Capital's commuters.

The lower than planned rise in fares will be entirely paid for by the additional funding provided by the Government and comes at no cost to TfL.

This means there will be no impact on TfL's huge programme of investment in London's transport network or on essential frontline services.

As with any fares packages, some fares will go up by slightly more than RPI plus one per cent, and some slightly less.

The single Oyster pay as you go bus fare now rises by just 5 pence, or only 3.8 per cent.

The Weekly Bus Pass now rises by £1, or 5.6 per cent.

Average Tube fares will rise by RPI plus one per cent (six per cent).

Some Tube fares in Outer London will now be frozen at 2011 levels, while others - Oyster pay as you go peak zones 2-5, 3-6 and 2-6 - will rise by only four per cent, less than inflation.

All Travelcards and Oyster pay as you go caps will benefit from the lower rise in 2012.

The Day peak zone 1-4 Travelcard and cap initially planned to rise by eight per cent will now rise by six per cent and the 7 Day zone 1-2 Travelcard has been held down from an eight per cent increase to only 5.8 per cent.

All free and concessionary travel for older people, students, veterans and disabled Londoners remains protected in full, which means that 40 per cent of bus passengers will continue to travel free or at a substantial concessionary rate.

The average bus fare per journey, including concessions, will be around 60p, compared to an average typical bus fare of around £1 in other UK cities.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'Every penny of this cash injection will go towards keeping fares as low as possible.

'That is very good news in the current economic climate and even better the unprecedented level of investment to improve London's transport network will continue unabated.'

Full details of all TfL fares for 2012 are available on the Greater London Authority website.

Unprecedented investment in London's transport network will continue totalling £12bn over the Mayor's four year term.

This is an increase from an £8bn investment from the previous administration.

The current investment programme includes upgrades to the Tube, now carrying a record 1.1 billion passengers a year, delivery of Crossrail, and the maintenance of London's frequent, extensive, reliable and accessible bus network, which is now carrying almost 2.3 billion passengers a year - more than any other time since records began in the 1960s.

Further extensive improvements have also been made on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Overground, both of which are also experiencing record ridership.

Investment is vital for the transport network to continue to develop and improve and to meet future demand, which is set to grow yet further.

TfL - Real Time Digital Bus Information Proves a Hit with Londoners

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:45:31 +0000

New up-to-the-minute bus arrival information has already been accessed by millions of Londoners since being made available via the internet, on smartphones or text messages last month.

Every day almost three quarters of a million free searches are made using the web or a smartphone and over 10,000 requests are sent for the bus arrival time's information via text messages.

The high demand suggests the service has already become an essential travel tool for bus passengers and will be invaluable next year when we expect the capital's iconic red buses to carry an influx of visitors here for the 2012 Games.

With bus travel at a 50 year high in the capital the new service compliments London's extensive bus network, which carries almost 2.3 billion passengers a year on over 7,500 buses across 700 routes.

Now, with real time bus information available for all 19,500 bus stops across London, passengers are finding the need to wait unnecessarily for a bus a thing of the past.

Digital revolution

This new system is all part of the Mayor of London's aim to use digital technology to deliver more effective public services in the capital, and an opportunity to build on London's position as a global centre for digital innovation.

The Mayor's Director of Digital London, Kulveer Ranger, said: 'This brilliant new service has revolutionised bus travel for thousands of Londoners, and is a fantastic example of how digital innovation can contribute to more effective public services.

'Our early figures are enormously encouraging and show passengers are genuinely benefiting from being able to predict exactly when their bus will arrive. This simple idea is making bus users journeys even more reliable.'

New and improved Countdown signs are also being installed that will replace all the existing 2,000 signs at bus stops.

Plus 500 new signs are being installed at other key bus stops.

All of the new signs have improved visibility for visually impaired passengers and will display more travel information than the old signs.

Simon Reed, Head of Technical Services Group London Buses, said: 'Work is also well under way to make our prediction data freely available for software developers early next year.

'That will enable developers to design their own smartphone applications, which will make it even easier for Londoners to find out exactly where their bus is.'

TfL to Restructure Financing Plan of DLR City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal Extensions

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:31:21 +0000

Transport for London (TfL) has announced it expects to be able to save up to £250m through the purchase of two companies responsible for the maintenance of the London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal branches of the DLR.

Under the terms of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreements that funded the extensions of the DLR network to cover these routes; City Airport Rail Enterprises PLC and Woolwich Arsenal Rail Enterprises are currently responsible for the maintenance of the respective branches.

TfL estimates that, due to the unique circumstances of the organisation's ability to raise finance and also current market conditions, up to £250m could be saved by restructuring the financing arrangements of those companies.

Those savings will be used to invest in further transport improvements.

Howard Smith, Chief Operating Officer for TfL London Rail, said: 'Now that the extensions have been constructed and are operating successfully we have reassessed the effectiveness of the financing arrangements that sit in the companies behind the projects.

'There will be no change to the day to day operation of the DLR, but we have found that we will be able to make ongoing savings by replacing private sector financing costs of these companies with public sector borrowing.

'I'd like to thank the shareholders, Semperian PPP Investment Partners and RBS, who have worked with us to maximise the benefits and the savings we hope to secure.'

The maintenance arrangements contracted by both City Airport Rail Enterprises PLC and Woolwich Arsenal Rail Enterprises with COLAS Rail, will remain in place following the financial restructuring.

TfL - Crime on London's Transport Network Falls Again

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:05:04 +0000

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has welcomed new figures that reveal crime on the Capital's transport network is continuing to fall.

Crime on the bus network is now at its lowest rate in more than seven years, with just 9.3 crimes per million passenger journeys in the first half of 2011/12.

There were 1,122 less bus-related offences over the first six months of this financial year compared to the same period last year, a 9.4 per cent reduction.

On buses in the Capital there have been large reductions in the number of 'violence against the person' offences (477 fewer offences - down 14.2 per cent), theft (623 fewer offences - down 11.7 per cent) and criminal damage (166 fewer offences - down 14.4 per cent).

Figures for the same period (April-September 2011 compared to April-September 2010) show crime on the Tube and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) fell by 272 offences, a 4.1 per cent reduction.

This includes reductions in violence against the person offences (88 fewer offences - down 9.2 per cent) and criminal damage (213 fewer offences - down 37.5 per cent).

The crime rate on the Tube and DLR over that timeframe was just 10.5 crimes per million passenger journeys.

These decreases build on significant reductions in crime on the bus and Tube/DLR networks over recent years.

Every one of London's boroughs has seen a reduction in bus-related crime between 2007/08 and 2010/11, despite a substantial increase in bus ridership.

Over that time there were significant reductions in criminal damage, robbery, violence against the person and theft.

Commitment to improving safety

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'It is vital for Londoners economic prosperity and quality of life that people can travel around this city safely.

'That's why I made this a major priority and I am pleased the measures we have put in place over the last three years seem to be paying off.'

Falling crime on the transport network has been driven by a range of initiatives undertaken by Transport for London (TfL) in partnership with the Mayor, the police forces and other partners in London.

TfL's significant investment in transport policing and a commitment to improving safety and security has ensured the system remains a low-crime environment.

The latest figures show that a small number of boroughs have seen an increase in bus related crime in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, and TfL is working with police partners to address this.

The deployment safer transport teams is constantly reviewed in order to ensure that crime hot spots are targeted and in each of these boroughs the number of offences still remains significantly down from 2007/08 levels.

Despite the overall reductions in crime in the first half of the year, there has been an increase in some crime types on the network.

Reducing crime on the network

On the bus network all crime categories have seen a reduction with the exception of robbery (an additional 233 offences) and sexual offences (an additional 20 offences).

On the Tube and DLR networks, there has been a small increase in sexual offences and in theft.

However, the numbers are low in context of the billions of journeys made on the system each year.

TfL takes these issues extremely seriously and has measures in place to deal with them, including targeted police operations, CCTV to bring offenders to justice and crime prevention advice.

In locations where there are issues TfL and its partners are undertaking proactive measures to deal with this.

Steve Burton, TfL's Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing, said: 'These latest figures show that the network is clearly a low-crime environment - we are continuing to drive down crime on the network with the number of offences at their lowest level for many years.

'Despite this, we are not complacent and we continue to work closely with our policing partners to further improve safety and security.

'Within the next six months we are deploying an additional 413 warranted police officers in the Safer Transport Command and continue to work tirelessly to provide Londoners with the safe network they expect.'

British Transport Police Chief Superintendent Mark Newton, London Underground Area Commander, said: 'It is pleasing to see an overall four per cent reduction in crime on the Underground and DLR so far this year, but we are only half way through and hope to drive this down further and make London's network an even safer way to travel.

Dont give them an inch

'Our highest volume crime is theft and we are experiencing an increase so far this year compared to last year but we are on target to see a reduction in theft across the whole policing year.

'We have just launched a new campaign, Don't Give Them an Inch, aimed at educating passengers on how to avoid becoming a victim of pickpocketing and our officers are working with businesses across London to spread our message to passengers to keep their belongings out of sight and their bags zipped up when using the Tube.'

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, Safer Transport Command said: 'Bus-related crime in the Capital is now at its lowest level for seven years, which is a testament to the Safer Transport Command's partnership with TfL.

'This reduction is largely as a result of the work that TfL and each of the 32 borough's Safer Transport Teams has achieved, with support from pan-London specialist units, through engaging with the local community, acting as a visible deterrent and arresting suspects involved in crime on the bus network.

'The Safer Transport Command will continue to ensure Londoners travel safely without the fear of crime.'

MTA Opens Boutique in Macy's Herald Square

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:52:00 +0000

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the opening of the first full-fledged MTA boutique in The Cellar of Macy's Herald Square.

The 1,000-square-foot boutique features a unique collection of MTA-trademarked products developed especially for Macy's.

The collection, titled NYC Underground, includes apparel, accessories, handbags, mugs, water bottles, note pads, umbrellas, wrist watches, and more. Products featuring the world's most recognizable subway map will be accented with the iconic Macy's red star to mark the famous 34th Street and Broadway intersection known as Herald Square.

To add authenticity to the shopper's experience, the boutique is decorated with subway maps, station signs, and even real subway benches and metal hand grabs on loan from New York City Transit's Asset Recovery division. The boutique at Macy's will remain in place throughout the holiday season.

NYC Underground was created exclusively for Macy's by Gouda, Inc. – an official MTA licensed company working in cooperation with MTA Marketing & Corporate Communications Dept. and the MTA's licensing agent, Moxie & Co.

"As we look to make every dollar count across everything the MTA does, we're working to enhance the value of the MTA brand and trademarks," said Paul J. Fleuranges, MTA's Senior Director of Corporate and Internal Communications. "We are delighted to be able to do that with a prominent presence in such an iconic and world-renowned space."

"Macy's is excited about our partnership with the MTA and its new branded merchandise endeavor – NYC Underground. The MTA is the one thing that connects all New Yorkers. The city, our employees and customers rely so heavily on the MTA getting us there, that I'm sure visitors and New Yorkers alike will be proud to own an item of the collection. We're happy to have the MTA Boutique pull into Macy's Herald Square," said Patti M. Lee, district vice president and Macy's Herald Square general manager.

The MTA earns roughly $500,000 a year in fees and royalties from companies that receive licenses to use MTA logos and images, a figure that has more than tripled from what it was five years ago. There are more than 100 businesses licensed to use MTA imagery in their products, a figure that has more than doubled in the past five years. Licensing revenue and the number of licensees have burgeoned in recent years as the MTA has actively positioned its brand in new markets, such as digital apps and international merchandising, through new distribution channels. MTA licensees have previously secured small, dedicated displays in other retail stores, such as at Toys 9thR' Us Time Square and FAO Schwartz. But today's announcement details the first instance of direct, co-branding collaboration between the MTA and a large retail store.

Gouda is a Manhattan-based product development company specializing in the design, licensing, marketing and production of both wearable and non-wearable gift products. Founded by Kim Baker in 1992, Gouda (www.goudainc.com) has grown to one of the most trusted private label and corporate promotional product development designers and manufacturers in the world, serving clients including Macy's, Banana Republic, Barney's NY, DKNY, and many museums. And, in keeping with the MTA's efforts to promote opportunity and diversity, Gouda Inc. is a woman-owned business.

TfL - Real-time Bus Information Now Available Anytime and Anywhere

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:29:12 +0000

Londoners never need to run for a bus again from today, with the introduction of a new up-to-the-minute bus information service that can be accessed online, on a smart phone, and via text message and new improved Countdown signs at bus stops.

Whether you are at home wondering it you have time to finish that cup of coffee, or need to maximise time in the office or between meetings, you won't have to waste time or get cold waiting at a bus stop again.

Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel in London with over 8,000 buses operating across 700 routes, many of them running 24 hours a day.

The new service provides live bus information for all 19,500 bus stops in the Capital.

'This technological step forward will revolutionise the way people use London's buses and will banish the need for them to ever wait at a bus stop again.'

Access via the Transport for London (TfL) website, from a fixed computer or web enabled smart phone involves three simple steps:

Go to the TfL Travel Tools webpage for live bus information
Enter a postcode, street name or bus stop code (these are clearly displayed at all bus stops or available on the TfL website) into the travel tool
View live bus arrival times, including bus destinations, for the next 30 minutes
Passengers can search for their bus stops on the TfL website by using a bus route number, a street name or postcode.

A map will display all the bus stops in the local area from which passengers can select the stop they need.

This information can be filtered by route number and bus stop numbers can be bookmarked for easy future reference.

New and improved

Passengers without a Smartphone or access to the web can simply text the bus stop code to 87287 to get detailed bus information at a small charge.

New and improved Countdown signs will also replace all the existing 2,000 signs at bus stops, with an additional 500 new signs at selected key stops.

The new signs have improved visibility for visually impaired passengers and will display more travel information than the old signs.

Later this year all the data will be made freely available for developers to design specific smart phones applications around it, making it even easier for Londoners to find out exactly where their bus is.

TfL - Mayor Secures Emirates as Private Sponsor for New Thames Crossing

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 15:07:34 +0000

Emirates Airline signs multi-million pound sponsorship for new cable car. £36m deal sees cable car named Emirates Air Line. London's first new urban cable car to appear on iconic Tube map.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced that global airline Emirates will sponsor London's exciting new cable car river crossing, to be known as the Emirates Air Line, in a ten-year deal worth £36m.

The Emirates Air Line will connect north and south London, travelling between two new stations set to be named Emirates Greenwich Peninsula and Emirates Royal Docks.

Scheduled for completion in summer 2012 the Emirates Air Line will offer commuters and visitors majestic aerial views as they travel across the Thames and provide a much needed additional river crossing.

With capacity to carry up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction in the peak, equivalent to 30 buses per hour, the Emirates Air Line will be the first of a package of measures to improve river crossings in east London.

It is anticipated it will carry two million passengers per year.

The sponsorship deal secured by the Mayor and TfL will see Emirates provide significant private sector investment to this new transport scheme totaling £36m.

The Emirates Air Line will be a key element of the Mayor's vision to transform east London into a bustling metropolitan quarter teeming with new businesses, entertainment and leisure facilities supported by world-class transportation.

New addition to the skyline

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: 'This multi-million pound deal is tremendous news for London, helping us to deliver a new addition to the city's skyline.

'The Emirates Air Line will be an exciting and innovative mode of transport easing travel for thousands and offering spectacular bird's eye vistas of our majestic Thames.

'The UK's first urban cable car will also act as a vibrant catalyst for the further regeneration of east London helping to attract jobs and investment for the benefit of Londoners.'

Creating a direct link between the O2, Europe's biggest entertainment venue, and ExCeL, the UK's largest exhibition centre, the Emirates Air Line will also provide an additional interchange between the Docklands Light Railway and Jubilee line.

Both areas surrounding the Emirates Air Line have been earmarked for a number of regeneration projects with the Royal Victoria Docks selected as one of the new Local Enterprise Zones.

The Emirates Air Line will play a key role in supporting these regeneration projects by providing a faster and more direct link, taking just five minutes to cross the river.

It will also provide local communities access to a range of entertainment, job and leisure opportunities that are set to become available as part of the regeneration.

The Mayor was joined by Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, and Mike Brown, Managing Director of London Underground and Rail, to announce the sponsorship deal.

The Emirates Air Line will feature on the iconic Tube map and be included in Transport for London's (TfL's) travel information.

As title sponsor, Emirates will receive a range of naming and branding rights, including the right to name the scheme, its stations and the creation of a joint logo.

Iconic landmark

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: 'As one of the world's most innovative airlines, the link with this new form of air travel in London is a perfect fit for us.

'The Emirates Air Line will take off as an iconic landmark for London.

'We are always looking for new ways to support the communities we serve and what better way than to bring this ground-breaking transport scheme to residents and visitors alike.'

The announcement of the sponsorship agreement comes after an open and competitive process led by TfL.

The £36m sponsorship deal with Emirates forms part of the funding strategy to recoup the upfront construction costs provided for the link and provides 80 per cent of the overall construction cost.

TfL continues to progress a funding strategy for the cable car including an application to a grant to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), additional sponsor agreements, retail space rental and fare revenue.

A final decision on the ERDF application is expected in spring 2012.

Work to construct the Emirates Air Line continues apace with the foundations to build the two stations, Emirates Greenwich Peninsula and Emirates Royal Docks, now complete.

The steel towers which will hold up the cable line are currently being fabricated into giant helix components ready for installation on site.

Breaking ground

Over the next few weeks building of the stations sub-structures will start to form the shell of the new stations that will welcome passengers once the Emirates Air Line opens for business next year.

This will coincide with the piling to install the towers that will support the cable line.

The Emirates Air Line is already providing a real boost to the UK economy by creating work for the British manufacturing and construction industry.

Factories across the UK are involved in the construction of this innovative transport project, from the steel towers to the moquette on passenger seats.

Mike Brown, Managing Director of London Underground and London Rail, said: 'This marks the start of an exciting new partnership.

'It's great that Emirates shares the Mayor and TfL's vision to create this innovative transport link across the Thames and boost regeneration in the area, the first urban cable car in the UK.

'Main construction works began in July and we are on track to open next summer.

'Much of the manufacture, including the steel towers, is being built in the UK, boosting companies across the country.'

thetrainline.com Announces New Agreement With Sabre Travel Network

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:59:06 +0000

Leading online train ticket retailer thetrainline.com has announced a new agreement with Sabre Travel Network, a global technology company serving travel agencies and suppliers.

The agreement means that travel agents using the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) can now access thetrainline.com's expert booking system (TOTI) as well as take advantage of a PNR (passenger name record) creation tool to allow booking data to flow back into their own system.

This bespoke system includes additional features such as graphical seat plans, seat preferences, train routing/stopping pattern, a full range of fulfilment options, account drop downs and agent administration.

Integration of thetrainline.com system will also allow consultants to view all bookings made via TOTI thetrainline.com's client facing self booking tool and other online-booking tool partners such as GetThere.

Ian Chaplin, Head of International at thetrainline.com said, "We are excited by the opportunity to be able to connect with Sabre's UK and global subscribers. With our international sales licence, our UK rail proposition is ideal for global distributors such as Sabre for whom it can enhance their content range to their subscribers."

Dean Bibb, Sabre Travel Network vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: "This agreement is an important rail-content enhancement for our agency customers. The future of rail distribution in Europe is high on the agenda of corporates and travel management companies throughout Europe. It is therefore critical that we provide the travel trade with the content and technology the need to deliver value to their customers and, in turn, grow their businesses."

MTA Continues Efforts to Capture Maximum Value From Real Estate

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:47:19 +0000

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that it intends to sell or lease nine parcels of MTA-controlled real estate in New York City, including MTA New York City Transit's former headquarters building at 370 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn.

The move is part of an ongoing effort by the Authority to reduce costs and maximize the revenues it receives from real estate holdings.

Last April, the MTA announced that it intends to sell or offer for long-term lease its headquarters building in Midtown Manhattan. In July, it announced plans to dramatically expand the footprint of retailing operations at Grand Central Terminal.

The MTA is preparing to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for 370 Jay Street and the other eight properties. The RFPs will be issued jointly with the City of New York, which owns the properties and leases them to the MTA for a nominal amount.

"We are fully committed to deriving the maximum value we can from our real estate holdings, and I'm pleased that our thorough review of the properties we own or otherwise control in the City has turned up a number of opportunities," said Jeffrey Rosen, MTA Director of Real Estate. "All proceeds help pay for the MTA's critical Capital Program. While these revenues represent just a very small fraction of the MTA's capital funding needs, every bit helps."

In addition to 370 Jay Street, the MTA plans to issue requests for proposals for the following eight properties:

A vacant parcel adjoining the Gun Hill Bus Depot, at Gun Hill Road and Interstate 95 in the Bronx
A triangular parcel at Houston Street and Broadway in Manhattan
351 East 139th Street (between Willis and Alexander Avenues) in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx
707 East 211th Street near White Plains Road and Gun Hill Road in the Bronx
A parcel on Van Sinderen Avenue in Brooklyn
851 Avenue I in Midwood, Brooklyn
103-54 99th Street in South Ozone Park, Queens
An elongated parcel at Varick Avenue & Johnson Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

The MTA's review of its database of New York City properties included another 3,944 properties that are either not suitable for disposition because they are required for MTA operations or have value that could be monetized only when and if development were to proceed on adjoining, privately-owned parcels.

The MTA Finance Committee today was also apprised of challenges and potential benefits of allowing development atop five MTA facilities:

The Michael J. Quill Bus Depot between 40th and 41st Streets and Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues in Manhattan
the MTA Bridges & Tunnels parking garages near the entrance to the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel
The N Train's Sea Beach Line trench in Brooklyn and the adjacent Bay Ridge Freight Branch of the Long Island Rail Road
Long Island Rail Road right-of-way near Woodside, Kew Gardens and Forest Hills Stations
Long Island Rail Road facilities along Jackson Avenue in Long Island City.

"We need to address these potential overbuild projects opportunistically as market conditions permit," Mr. Rosen said.

Today's presentation is the third of four planned presentations on maximizing the MTA's real estate holdings. The board discussed plans for right-sizing the MTA's office space portfolio in April and in July looked at the growing retail revenues from leasing at Grand Central Terminal. The MTA Finance Committee will hear a presentation on the MTA's suburban real estate holdings later this year.

TfL - New Oyster System to Help Customers Pay the Correct Fare

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:38:46 +0000

A new system will help Oyster passengers who occasionally forget to touch out.

As part of a series of innovations to improve customers' experience of Oyster, Transport for London (TfL) has introduced a new facility for Oyster pay as you go customers who occasionally forget to touch out at the end of their Tube, DLR, Overground or National Rail journey.

Under Oyster terms and conditions, customers who do not touch out to complete their journey are charged the maximum Zone 1-6 fare.

But TfL has set up a new system so that if a passenger occasionally fails to touch in and out then Oyster will aim to calculate their likely journey and charge the appropriate fare.

Guidance from journey histories

Around 1,500 customers a day are already benefitting from the new system that looks at passengers previous journeys.
If the passenger fails to touch out then the system will attempt to calculate what the fare should have been had they done so.

A refund of the difference will then be provided and can be picked up when the customer next uses their regular station.

However refunds will only be provided where it is possible for the system to make an accurate assumption of where the journey was likely to have begun and ended.

Registered Oyster customers who have supplied their details will receive an email to let them know that a fares refund has been made.

This also acts as a further reminder of the importance of always touching in and out to validate journeys.

Touching in is vital

Only journeys that have been started and are missing the touchout at the end of the journey are eligible for completion by the new system.

It is intended to help people who occasionally forget to touch out and therefore the system only operates once a month for each Oyster card.

Station ticket offices and the Oyster helpline will continue to offer passengers an alternative means of resolving incomplete journeys that are not addressed by this system.

Shashi Verma, TfL's Director of Fares & Ticketing, said: 'Oyster is the transport ticket of choice for most Londoners, and the vast majority of customers use it correctly and are charged the right fare for their journeys.

'A small minority of rail journeys however are still not being touched in and out correctly and are being charged maximum fares. We don't want to penalise customers who normally touch in and out for occasionally forgetting, so, for such customers, we are looking at ways of correcting journeys that have been left open without a final touch at the destination.

'We are always trying to make the Oyster system easier and more efficient and this is just another example of us listening to our customers and making the improvements needed.'

Oyster and train services

Peter Twigg, Head of London Support at the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: 'This is another example of train companies and TfL working together to make Oyster pay as you go easier for passengers to use.

'Train companies are always looking for ways to improve services and will continue to work with TfL and other rail industry partners to make travel around London increasingly simple, reliable and affordable.'

This new initiative is just one of the projects TfL is carrying out this year to improve the customer experience of Oyster.

Enhancements are also being made to the information provided to Oyster online account users, including more detailed journey history.

The pilot phase of these online statement enhancements exclusively allowed customers who purchase Oyster credit online to see their journey history in greater detail and the user feedback has been so positive that plans are now in place to make these detailed online statements available by the end of the year to any customer who has registered for an Oyster online account.

Later phases of the online statement improvements will also include information about whether any refunds are pending and at what station they are available to pick up.

There are also plans to enable customers to use their online statements to raise queries and request refunds directly via the TfL website.

Coming next year: Contactless travel

Next year, London's commuters will also benefit from the introduction of contactless payment using bank issued debit and credit cards on the transport network.

Beginning with London buses in early 2012, in time for the 2012 Games, and followed by a rollout on the Tube, DLR, Overground and National Rail later in the year, customers will have the option of leaving their Oyster card at home and touching in and out using their contactless bank cards directly, making it faster and more convenient to pay for journeys around London.

TfL - Docklands Light Railway Extension Marks One Year Until London 2012 Paralympic Games

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:42:06 +0000

With just under a year to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games the fully accessible Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Stratford International extension opened this week.

The project is a key part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic transport network and will improve accessibility on London's transport network for people with restricted mobility.

The £211m DLR extension from Stratford International Station to Canning Town includes four new stations and connects five London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venues.

All of London's 8,500 buses are fully accessible, all 22,000 taxis have wheelchair ramps and all stations and trains on the DLR network are fully accessible.

62 Tube stations are now step-free from street to platform, and this will rise further with the imminent completion of works at Green Park, which will be a key step-free station during the Games.

By the time of the 2012 Games 65 Tube stations will be step-free.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'This expansion of the DLR is a further demonstration of the improvements that the London 2012 Games are making to our city.

'This work will be of permanent benefit for Londoners and all those travelling in the Capital from here on in. It's fantastic news and another example of London's lasting legacy of playing host to such a momentous event.'

London Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: 'The completion of the DLR extension to Stratford International and the new lifts at Green Park station provide five more accessible stations delivering benefits for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and building on the legacy of transport improvements well ahead of next summer.

'The DLR extension completes the £500m upgrade of the DLR, which will bring a 50 per cent increase in capacity across the network. The new line will also provide a legacy of more direct access to London's wider rail network for large numbers of people in Lower Lea Valley and help permanent regeneration in area.'

Director of Transport for the Olympic Delivery Authority, Hugh Sumner, said: 'The opening of the new DLR extension is the last piece in the jigsaw for major upgrades and improvements to networks serving the Olympic Park.

'We have worked closely with TfL to fund and deliver a much-improved service which will leave east London better connected after the Games.'

London Borough of Newham Mayor, Sir Robin Wales said: 'TfL should be congratulated for providing a sustainable and accessible transport legacy for our borough after the London 2012 Games.

'This is a major boost to Newham's regeneration and our efforts to attract international companies to the borough.

'Siemens and Westfield have already moved in and the new DLR extension at Stratford International will ensure that residents and businesses can take advantage of some of the best and most accessible transport links in the country. Stratford International station should now become a major accessible hub for international services.'

Artwork on the glass panelling of the DLR stations was created by Toby Patterson.

TfL - Consultation Begins on Lane Rental Scheme to Tackle Roadworks

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:55:24 +0000

Transport for London (TfL) will tomorrow begin a 12-week consultation on plans for a lane rental scheme that would give utility companies a clear economic incentive to reduce the scale and duration of roadworks on London's busiest roads, following the start of a national consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) today.

By using lane rental TfL would be able to charge companies who dig up the busiest roads on their network as well as subjecting their own roadworks to charges.

The aim is to provide a financial incentive for works to be carried out quicker, and a sliding scale of charges would be introduced to encourage companies to work during less disruptive times.

The Mayor has lobbied for London to have the first targeted and avoidable lane rental scheme in the country and, subject to consultation; TfL will look to formally submit a proposal to the DfT in early 2012.

That timetable would mean a lane rental scheme could be up and running in the Capital by spring next year.

Any revenue raised by the scheme would also contribute to a roadworks innovation fund that would be jointly overseen by TfL and the major utility companies.

The fund would be used to develop and invest in new technology such as quick curing materials and improved plating technology, which would allow excavations to be temporarily covered to enable roads to be returned to normal operation.

By making these technologies more widely available to the industry, utility companies and TfL will be able to carry out more works outside of disruptive times, meaning that charges could be avoided.

A further use for the fund could be to construct infrastructure such as pipe subways to enable utilities and TfL to install and maintain plant, such as pipes, ducts and cables, without the need to excavate the highway.

Relieving congestion

If introduced, lane rental charges would apply to sections of carriageway and pinch points where it has been identified that action to relieve congestion should be prioritised.

These areas cover around 330km (57 per cent) of the TfL Road Network and reflect where the effect of closing a lane of traffic is more than 50 per cent higher than on the rest of the network.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'Lane rental will offer a powerful incentive for utility companies in London to ensure they complete their work as quickly as possible.

'We will also spend the money raised from lane rental charges on developing new technologies that aim to help utility companies and highway authorities work in ways that will cause far less disruption for road users.'

Leon Daniels, Managing Director for Surface Transport at TfL, said: 'TfL is working on a range of schemes to improve traffic flow across the Capital, and lane rental would give us a vital tool to reduce unnecessarily prolonged and disruptive roadworks.

'By investing any revenue raised by the scheme into new and innovative methods, we can help encourage more work to take place outside of the charging periods'.

Transport for London Unveils Innovative Measures to Tackle Pollution

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:59:29 +0000

Transport for London (TfL) has announced a package of innovative measures to tackle pollution levels at the busiest roads in central London.

The new targeted clean up measures could reduce local pollution levels of PM10 by 10-20 per cent where applied.

They are financed from a Clean Air Fund secured by the Mayor and TfL from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The funding, announced in April, will allow a package of local innovative measures already identified as part of the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy to be initiated, fast tracked and expanded over the next nine months.

The first tranche of Clean Air Fund work includes:

The expansion of the application of dust suppressants that stick PM10 to the carriageway and prevent it from re-circulating in the air. Two additional vehicles are set to be converted to apply the dust suppressant enabling the two trial sites to be expanded into more areas including construction sites
The start of a concerted 'No Engine Idling' campaign to deter unnecessary engine running from all motor vehicles when stationary. This kicks off with a small team of 'eco-marshals' who will monitor taxi ranks at busy central London mainline stations and other on street ranks where air quality is particularly poor
The start of a greening programme to trap pollution - a row of 50 green towers (six foot tall planters) have been installed along Lower Thames Street, one of central London's most polluted road. The green towers are also an attractive addition to the local area

Air quality modelling shows that the vast majority of London already meets the European Commission limit value for annual average PM10, but there are some local hot spots identified as being 'at risk' of exceeding limits.

The European Commission recently confirmed to the UK government that the Mayor's plans to reduce PM10 pollution by a third by 2015 - including the work of the Clean Air Fund - has lifted the threat of hefty fines.

Innovative technology

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's Environment Director, said: 'Pollution is a serious health issue and the Mayor is determined to reduce its impact.

'A comprehensive package of clean-up measures including innovative technology, is now being targeted where most needed in central London.

'In addition, action is being taken to deliver a permanent legacy of cleaner air right across the Capital.

'This includes the first ever age limit for black cabs, tighter standards for the Low Emission Zone, cleaner buses, including the New Bus for London and an expanded bike hire scheme.'

The dust suppressant pilot study which ran from November 2010 to April 2011 was a UK first.

Vehicles spread the biodegradable saline solution (Calcium Magnesium Acetate) in very small amounts evenly on road surfaces at two locations; Victoria Embankment and Marylebone Road.

The results focused on the Victoria Embankment site and showed that repeated applications can be effective at reducing PM10 at kerbside locations by between 10 and 14 per cent over 24 hourly periods.

The scheme will continue to run on Victoria Embankment and Marylebone Road and will also be introduced to Park Lane and corridors such as the A2.

Trials at industrial and construction sites will also begin to help tackle the source of pollution where there are high levels of PM10.

Tackling pollution hot spots

A team of five eco-marshals will be visiting taxi ranks in pollution hot spots across the Capital to reduce engine idling time for taxis and minicabs whilst promoting eco-driving courses designed to reduce emissions, as well as save cabbies money through efficient driving techniques.

The eco-marshals are existing TfL staff on secondment, two of whom are licensed London taxi drivers.

They will be conducting research that will be used to inform future activity, identify where to focus efforts and develop better information to help taxi and private hire drivers change driving habits.

Their research will also consider whether to change taxi rank layout and design.

TfL's Managing Director for Surface Transport, has also written to coach, bus and freight operators to encourage their drivers to switch off their engines while stationary.

Black cabs account for around a quarter of PM10 emissions in central London with up to 15 per cent of that estimated to be as a result of taxi drivers leaving their engines idling when stationary.

The first part of a green infrastructure programme has also begun.

Fifty planted towers have been placed along Lower Thames Street, which is a PM10 hot spot.

The 6ft-tall planters will contain bedding plants to help trap particulate matter and will be replaced with ivy in the winter.

Other green infrastructure, including green walls and trees, will be planted at other PM10 pollution hot spots across London.

Improving air quality

Studies across Europe and the USA have shown the potential of vegetation, including trees and plants, to trap PM10.

The Clean Air Fund measures will be used flexibly where PM10 levels are highest, allowing for the fact that London's pollution levels can be weather dependent and influenced by pollution from outside the Capital.

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer at TfL, said: 'We are beginning to implement a number of projects from the Clean Air Fund now and Londoners are likely to start noticing these.

'These are measures we can introduce to target local PM10 hot spots and put in place fairly quickly and build on our continuing work to improve air quality across London.

'The results of the dust suppressant trial are especially encouraging and prove that initiatives like this can work.'

The Clean Air Fund will fund the following initiatives:

Taxi marshalling and management
A campaign to encourage drivers to switch off their engines when stationary
The expansion of the Cleaning and Application of Dust Suppressants trial
Trials of green walls and screens and additional tree planting
The installation of Diesel Particulate Filters to buses on selected routes
A programme of business engagement to promote greener travel and reduce their air quality impact

TfL - Woolwich Ferry Service on Monday 15 August

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:26:23 +0000

The Woolwich Ferry will be suspended on Monday 15 August as staff will be paying their respects at the funeral of their colleague and friend Ben Woollacott who tragically died on the service recently.

The Woolwich Ferry will resume at 06:10 on Tuesday 16 August with a normal two-boat service.

Thames River Services and Crown River Cruises, who offer sightseeing river tours, will also suspend their services on that day as a mark of respect. All other services and operators are expected to operate normally.

London River Services would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this time.

Drivers wishing to cross the Thames on Monday 15 August should use an alternative route such as the Blackwall Tunnel, Rotherhithe Tunnel or Tower Bridge.

Holidays 4 UK Ltd in Administration

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:09:10 +0000

Brighton based holiday firm Holidays 4 UK Limited, which also traded as aegeanflights.com and Holidays 4 U has been placed into administration.

Ian Oakley-Smith and David Chubb have been appointed as Joint Administrators of Holidays 4 UK Limited on 3 August 2011 to manage their affairs, business and property as their agents and without personal liability.

The firm has collapsed stranding 12,000 holidaymakers abroad, with over 40,000 bookings still outstanding with the company.

People already abroad are advised to contact the Civil Aviation Authority, but should be able to complete their holidays as planned.

Onur Air, which operated the firms flights has indicated that it will aid the CAA in returning stranded holidaymakers to the UK.

CAA - 0207 453 6424

Two Construction Firms Awarded A Nearly 109 Million Contract At Bronx-Whitestone Bridge To Widen And Rehabilitate Queens Approach

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:33:26 +0000

MTA Bridges and Tunnels has announced that it has awarded a nearly $109 million contract to two construction firms for a three-and-a-half-year Capital project on the Queens approach at the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge.

The work includes reconstruction and widening the 1,010-foot-long Queens approach roadway structure, adding emergency breakdown lanes, and moving and rebuilding a local playground beneath the bridge.

The original estimate for the project was $179 million but because of a favorable bid climate, the final amount was reduced by more than 35 percent. The work is similar to an ongoing project on the Bronx end of the bridge, which is expected to be completed by 2012.

The contract for the Bronx-Whitestone Queens approach work was awarded Friday, July 29th to E.E. Cruz of Manhattan and Tully Construction Co., of Queens, in a joint venture project. Similar to the current Bronx approach work, the project will require a permanent lane closure for approximately a year but three lanes of traffic will be maintained into the Bronx during the morning and three lanes into Queens in the evening by using a movable barrier. In addition, the northbound Third Avenue exit ramp will be closed for approximately two years while the roadway is rebuilt.

"The original 1930's bridge, with its narrow lanes and lack of emergency lanes, was not designed for today's traffic but this work, along with the Bronx approach project, will go a long way in transforming this 1930's era bridge into a modern, viable regional link for decades to come," said MTA Bridges and Tunnels Chief Engineer Joe Keane.

In addition to rehabilitating the bridge, the project will give something back to the neighborhood. "We've always had a strong relationship with the community, and we hope that this new and improved playground shows our commitment to be good neighbors," said Bronx-Whitestone General Manager Ray Webb.

Highlights of the project include:

In an agreement with NYC Parks Department, MTA will relocate the playground at Francis Lewis Park, which is almost directly beneath the bridge, to a grassy area just past the current bocce courts and build a new playground featuring separate play areas for 2-5 year-olds and 6-12 year-olds, a "spray shower" water feature, a sensory play area, new swings, a climbing boulder and new benches. The playground will remain open through this summer and close in the fall. It will reopen in its new location with all new equipment by spring 2012.
Reconstruction of the bridge's support foundations and seven, new double-arch, concrete piers will be built to support the roadway's wider, 12-foot lanes and emergency breakdown lanes. This work will be done beneath the bridge with no impact to traffic. It will begin in fall 2011 and be completed in about a year.
In summer 2012, lane by lane demolition of the existing 1,010 feet of approach roadway and the rehabilitation of the roadway superstructure will take place. This work will require a permanent lane closure for approximately a year. A movable barrier will be used to maintain traffic flow during peak morning and afternoon drive times.
The northbound, Third Avenue exit ramp will be closed beginning summer 2012 and will remain closed for approximately two years to accommodate construction work near the ramp. Vehicles will be detoured through local streets.
The southbound 14th Avenue exit ramp will be widened and repaved, a deceleration lane will be added, and new curbing put in place.
The final stage of the project will include demolition of the old piers beneath the roadway in 2014 with no impact to traffic. Once construction is completed the basketball and handball courts in the old playground space will be restored and new landscaping will be added.

"There will be a lot of activity going on at the bridge for the next several years," said Facility Engineer Christopher Saladino. "We appreciate our customers' patience while we do this important work, which in the long-run will improve traffic flow and provide a smoother driving experience for all who use the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge."

The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge's 2,300-foot long suspension span was the fourth longest in the world when the bridge opened April 30, 1939, a day before the New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows Park. In 2010, a daily average of about 117,000 vehicles crossed the bridge.

MTA Releases Preliminary 2012 Budget, Plan to Fund Capital Program Investments

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:37:30 +0000

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has released its 2012 Preliminary Budget and July Financial Plan for 2012 – 2015.

The plan builds on last year's successful cost-cutting efforts, expected to yield $3.8 billion in cumulative savings by 2014, to achieve a balanced budget while avoiding service cuts and fare and toll increases in 2012. However, risks remain, including continued economic uncertainty and the need for labor participation to control wage and benefit costs. The Plan also acknowledges and addresses the need for an innovative and pragmatic financing strategy for the final three years of the MTA's 2010-2014 Capital Program. The July Plan is preliminary; the MTA Board will vote on a final budget in December.

"By keeping our focus on making every dollar count, this financial plan brings stability back to the MTA's finances," said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder. "As a result, we're able to meet our commitments to avoid service cuts and fare increases next year. The savings also pave the way for a new funding strategy that will advance vital capital investments that protect the safety and reliability of our transportation network."

Financial Plan

The MTA's 2012 – 2015 Financial Plan relies on four key components: a continued focus on cost cutting; a three-year zero wage increase initiative that reflects new fiscal realities; continued implementation of biennial 7.5 % fare/toll increases in 2013 and 2015; and continued receipt of dedicated taxes and subsidies.

Continued Cost Cutting

The plan builds on $525 million in recurring savings achieved in 2010, with savings targets increasing in each year of the plan and reaching $799 million by 2015. Savings of $623 million in 2011 are being achieved by pursuing better ways of doing business including: rebidding health care contracts; rationalizing and consolidating IT functions; overhauling procurement practices; and improving inventory management.

For example:

$65 million will be saved by 2015 through IT efficiencies
- Consolidating 34 data centers into 3
- Shrinking number of servers from 2,600 to under 500
- Merging seven email systems into one
$60 million will be saved by 2015 through better procurement practices
Eliminating 2,100 workstations, reducing cost by 28 percent
Eliminating 3,000 cell phones
Eliminating 325 vehicles from non-revenue fleet

These savings, together with a higher than projected favorable 2010 carry-over, higher subsidy and real estate receipts, debt service savings, and the release of $50 million from the MTA's General Reserve account for a $170 million 2011 cash balance that will be carried over to 2012. Cash balances in 2012 ($4 million), and 2013 ($125 million) will help address out-year deficits beginning in 2014 (-$54 million) and continuing into 2015 (-$178 million).

Despite these savings, the Financial Plan remains subject to risks that could mean additional difficulties. Economic uncertainty remains a concern. The MTA continues to have limited financial reserves and the Plan assumes that the health of the economy does not continue to deteriorate, and that the taxes that are collected by New York State in the MTA's name are paid to the MTA. The Plan is also predicated on labor settlements that include zero wage increases for three years. Long-term vulnerabilities include skyrocketing employee and retiree healthcare and pension costs.

Funding the Final Three Years of the 2010-2014 Capital Program

One of the biggest risks facing the MTA is its underfunded Capital Program. While the State's bailout of the MTA in 2009 provided funding for the first two years of the 2010-2014 Capital Program, the final three years remain unfunded. With no appetite for new taxes in New York State, the MTA today released an innovative, pragmatic financing strategy to fully fund the critical Capital Program.

The Capital Program is focused on achieving two main objectives: protecting the safety and reliability of the transportation system by maintaining and improving key infrastructure; and moving the "mega" expansion projects – East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway – into service. These investments also provide a major boost to the New York State economy, generating a $44 billion economic impact, and creating jobs for manufacturers and suppliers across the state. More details on the program can be found at mta.info/capital.

Funding Strategy

The MTA's strategy for addressing the capital program's funding gap starts with making tough choices to stretch available investment dollars. In 2010, the MTA cut $2 billion from the program by reducing rolling stock costs, shifting to a component-based station rehabilitation program, and sharing shop space across agencies. Last week the MTA announced plans to double that savings to $4 billion, reducing the overall cost of the program to $24.2 billion while delivering its critical benefits. These savings will be achieved by reducing capital administrative staff by 15%, reducing the cost of train and bus purchases, and partnering with contractors and labor to reduce bid costs. In addition, the MTA is selling underutilized assets – like its Madison Avenue headquarters – to raise additional funds for the plan.

But these actions aren't enough to fund the final three years of the program. To that end, the MTA has identified an innovative and pragmatic financing strategy:

Innovative federal loan: The MTA has applied for a $2.2 billion federal loan that benefits from low Treasury rates and utilizes longer maturity bonds that are appropriate for new infrastructure projects with long useful lives.
MTA revenue bonds: The federal loan would be complemented by $4.7 billion in MTA revenue bonds.
Manageable debt level: Existing capital funds – protected by ongoing MTA cost-cutting – would be used to repay the federal and MTA debt, creating no additional burden on the operating budget. In addition, during the period this debt would be issued, the MTA will be repaying $6.2 billion of existing debt.
Ongoing local partnerships: In addition, ongoing support from the State, City and Port Authority add another $1.7 billion.
Asset sales and other resources will provide an additional $.89 billion.

Along with federal grants ($4.1 billion), these sources provide the $13.6 billion needed to fully fund the remainder of the MTA Capital Program.

"We recognize that there's no appetite for new taxes in New York today, and that makes it all the more important that we find ways to make these investments as efficiently and effectively as possible," Chairman Walder said. "At the same time, we continue to pursue innovative and pragmatic ways to move investments forward with our federal, state and local partners, because we can't afford to eliminate or defer any of these critical projects."

Full details of the Financial Plan are available at http://www.mta.info/mta/budget/july2012.html.

TfL - Stratford Bus Station Prepares for a New and Improved Look

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:09:41 +0000

Work to transform Stratford bus station in time for the London 2012 Games begins on 1 August.

Transport for London (TfL) and Newham Council are working closely together to improve the station; replacing the bus shelters, installing better lighting and improving footpaths - allowing passengers to move more easily around the station.

The bus station will be thoroughly spruced-up from top to bottom including a full repair and resurface of all roadways.

The works will benefit the 20 million passengers using the bus station every year.

In addition, many thousands of extra passengers will use Stratford bus station during the London 2012 Games because of its close proximity to the Olympic Park and easy interchange with the Central and Jubilee Lines, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and mainline services.

Mike Weston, Operations Director, London Buses said: 'Stratford bus station is already a very important transport hub in East London and as we move closer to the London 2012 Games it will have an ever bigger part to play ensuring visitors have easy access to the Olympic Park.

'With this in mind it is important we provide world class facilities for the travelling public and to do this we need to close the bus station for several weeks to make important improvements. TfL and Newham Council will work closely together to ensure the disruption to passengers is minimal.'

The bus station will close from 1 August 2011 until the end October 2011, with temporary changes to local stopping arrangements for bus services.

Buses will use other bus stops around Stratford town centre whilst the works are undertaken, and TfL will have Customer Service Assistants readily available to help minimise any passenger disruption and assist passengers with their onward journeys.

Full details of revised stopping arrangements will also be on display locally and on the TfL website tfl.gov.uk/livetravelnews

TfL and Newham Council will work hard to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum during these improvements.

Work will be carried out on a phased basis and is due to be fully completed by February 2012.

TfL - London Cycle Challenge Circles the Globe 69 Times

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:51:17 +0000

Thousands of cyclists have made this year's London Cycle Challenge the biggest to date.

Over 12,500 cyclists entered the London Cycle Challenge this year, forming nearly 900 teams.

The month-long competition was free to enter and encouraged people to make the most of the cycling opportunities in the city for commuting and leisure.

Between 18 June and 15 July participants recorded online all the miles they cycled and saw how they were performing against other teams on the leaderboard.

Racking up the miles

Plenty of friendly rivalries were formed and the combined effort of participants was the equivalent of cycling around the globe 69 times.

This year, 59 school teams took part in the Challenge along with 58 NHS teams.

The Mayor of London's Director for Environment, Kulveer Ranger said: 'My congratulations go to the winners but I hope everyone who took to two wheels enjoyed taking part.

'Londoners are tremendously passionate about cycling and the numbers taking part in this superb event are testament to that.'

There were four team categories, with the winners in each scooping hampers of cycling goodies.

This year's champions are:

Category	Winner	Miles cycled	Points
2 - 10	eCourier.co.uk	8,868	20,406
11 - 50	Barclays Capital Cyclists	15,083	43,079
51 - 100	Silly Commuter Racers	3,5476	94,557
100+	Metropolitan Police	6,5624	20,5410

James Holt, team leader of eCouriers, winners in the 2-10 category said: 'We have definitely enjoyed competing in the Cycle Challenge and we will return next year to defend our title.'

'Our prize will be donated to charity to further encourage others, less fortunate to enjoy cycling.'

Take to the Superhighway

The London Cycle Challenge is one of the many initiatives coordinated by Transport for London to encourage cycling in the Capital.

As this year's competition comes to a close there is yet another great reason to climb into the saddle with the launch of two more Barclays Cycle Superhighways.

Barclays Cycle Superhighway (CS2) runs from Aldgate to Bow and CS8 runs from Westminster to Wandsworth.

Barclays Cycle Superhighways are a series of cycle routes into central London from outer London which provide cyclists with safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city.

MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H Walder Announces Resignation

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:03:59 +0000

Jay H. Walder today informed Governor Cuomo of his intention to resign his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority effective as of the close of business on October 21st, 2011.

Mr. Walder will be joining the MTR Corporation in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. The MTR is a publicly-traded company that operates rail services in Asia and Europe, and is involved in a wide range of business activities, including consulting and property development.

"I want to thank Governor Cuomo and former Governor Paterson for the honor of serving the people of New York State," Walder said. "The MTA's transportation system is the foundation of the metropolitan region and we are fortunate to have thousands of dedicated men and women who work so hard to provide these critically important transportation services to millions of people each and every day. I believe that we have accomplished quite a lot in a short period, with the support of two Governors, the Mayor, a hard-working Board and many others."

Walder joined the MTA in October 2009, and in less than two years led an unprecedented overhaul of how the MTA operates, bringing fiscal stability and advancing a series of projects that are improving the daily experience of the MTA's 8.5 million riders.

Under the banner of "Making Every Dollar Count," Walder introduced efficiency measures that are expected to yield $3.8 billion in cumulative savings by 2014. The effort focused on streamlining the MTA's seven companies, consolidating functions and eliminating redundancies. In the face of a fiscal crisis, contracts were renegotiated with suppliers, healthcare arrangements were rebid and administrative costs were reduced across the board.

At the same time, Walder drove a customer service agenda that showed customers a new vision for 21st century transit service even as costs were reduced. Countdown clocks were activated at more than 150 stations, security cameras were brought online, a new user-friendly web site was introduced, an all-electronic tolling pilot was launched and new smart card technology was tested and is moving forward for the entire transportation system. The introduction of Select Bus Service on the busiest bus route in the country – along with bus-lane enforcement cameras – demonstrated the promise of the MTA's bus system. Real-time bus information debuted in Brooklyn and will reach Staten Island by the end of the year.

"In challenging times, we brought stability and credibility to the MTA by making every dollar count, by delivering long overdue improvements and by refusing to settle for business as usual," Walder said.

Mr. Walder assumes his position as Chief Executive Officer of MTR on January 1st, 2012. He will become both a Member of the Executive Directorate and a Member of the Board of Directors. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Walder will be appointed as CEO Designate on November 1st, 2011.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me to lead a publicly-traded, multi-national corporation with a broad set of business activities," Walder said. "The MTR Corp. is widely recognized for its world-leading rail systems and the innovative property developments that are built around stations."

The MTR operates commuter rail in Hong Kong and intercity rail services from Hong Kong to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong in China. The MTR is also building new rail lines in Hong Kong and China. In addition, the MTR operates rail systems in London, Stockholm and Melbourne and provides rail consultancy services in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. Beyond its transportation services, the MTR is involved in a wide range of business activities, including a successful property development business that creates fully integrated commercial and residential communities around stations. It has completed developments at 27 rail stations with nearly 75,000 housing units constructed and operates more than 18 million square feet of commercial space. MTR shares have been traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since October 2000. The corporation announced total revenue of $3.8 billion in 2010 with $1.1 billion of underlying profit.

TfL - Congestion on Key London Road to be Cut as Part of Mayor's Clampdown on Roadworks

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:23:34 +0000

Disruption at Henlys Corner on the A406 North Circular to be cut by up to 45 per cent during peak hours.

The 94,000 drivers who use Henlys Corner junction on the A406 North Circular road each day, and thousands of residents in the surrounding area, should see less disruption from ongoing roadworks in the area when Transport for London (TfL) introduces a new way of working designed to cut congestion at the junction by 45 per cent during peak hours.

Major works have been being carried out at this busy junction of the North Circular, the A1 and the A598 since May.

The purpose of the scheme is to dramatically improve traffic flow and journey times, however, the roadworks to construct it have caused significant traffic disruption at peak hours since they started.

Concerns about the disruption have been raised by Barnet residents and councillors; in response, TfL has been working with its contractor, Tarmac, to review the operating hours of the works and investigate how traffic flows could be improved.

From 16 July a new approach will be taken to management of the roadworks, with two lanes north and south on the A598 Finchley Road/Regent's Park Road remaining open during peak hours (06:00-10:00 and 15:00-21:00), making it easier for local residents to cross the A406.

From 23 July, three lanes on the A406 will remain open during the same peak periods, smoothing the flow of traffic across the busy junction.

Outside of peak traffic hours the A598 will remain at one lane and the A406 at two lanes.

As a result of this TfL projects congestion and delay will reduce by 45 per cent during peak periods.

London's Deputy Mayor for Transport, Isabel Dedring, said: 'Londoners rightly expect the Mayor to do everything in his power to make their journeys as painless as possible.

'We hope this better way of working at Henlys Corner will improve journeys for thousands of drivers using the North Circular, as well as make it much easier for local residents to get across the road.

'There have clearly been problems in the area, and improving the way we work to reduce congestion is exactly the approach the Mayor wants TfL to take.

'We are very aware of the impact roadworks continue to have on Londoners and are looking urgently at a range of measures to reduce disruption further for the Capital's road users.'

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer, TfL London Streets, said: 'The works at Henlys Corner will bring huge benefits to all road users along the A406 North Circular Road, but while we carry them out it is essential that every effort be made to reduce disruption and make life easier for local residents.

'This new way of working at the junction will do just that - reducing congestion at peak times by an expected 45 per cent.

'We are working with the new Deputy Mayor for Transport to review road works on a regular basis - pinpointing where improvements can be made, and bearing down on disruption wherever possible.'

In order to allow these changes to take place, Tarmac will be carrying out overnight resurfacing works on the A406 from 16-23 July between 23:00 and 05:00.

All efforts will be made to keep the noisy works to a minimum during the night time operating hours.

The changes to working practices have also meant that the completion date for the scheme is now scheduled for November 2011.

The improved way of working at Henlys Corner is part of a wider effort to tackle congestion and delay on the Capital's roads.

London's Deputy Mayor for Transport, Isabel Dedring, is now leading a renewed effort to address the problem, working with top TfL officials to pinpoint problematic road works and find imaginative ways to lessen delays.

Work is under way to improve the information available to London's roads users about works taking place and a range of measures are being pursued to smooth traffic, including:

Introducing a lane rental scheme, so that utilities and other companies are incentivised to carry out roadworks during the less busy periods of the day through being charged according to amount of time they work during busier times. Department for Transport will undertake consultation for new lane rental regulations later this summer, which, if approved, will allow the Mayor and TfL to apply to have the country's first lane rental scheme up and running during the first half of 2012
Building on the code of conduct for roadworks - created by the Mayor - and working to sign more boroughs up to the London roadworks permit scheme. These are already improving the management and coordination of works, with utility companies now sharing lane closures and working at the same time to avoid stretches of road being repeatedly dug up
Reviewing the timings of 1,000 sets of traffic signals each year, and working with the boroughs to identify sites where they can be removed if they serve no purpose
Installing advanced computer technology at traffic signals that allows the lights to adjust their timings to best suit the flow of traffic
Examining innovative engineering techniques which could see utilities use temporary road surfacing methods and fast-setting replacement road surfaces - allow roads to re-open more quickly when works have been carried out

Celebrate 170 Years of Thomas Cook Holidays

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:25:00 +0000

To celebrate its 170^th anniversary, Thomas Cook launches A History of British Holidaymaking timeline

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Last week, Tuesday, 5th July 2011, marked 170 years since the historic day when Thomas Cook, founder of the worldwide Thomas Cook holidays travel company, conducted his very first escorted tour – an 11-mile train journey from Leicester to Loughborough.

He could never have imagined that, on that day in 1841, that modest journey to take around 500 people to a temperance demonstration would be a turning point in history – the very first step in creating a global travel organisation that now carries more than 22 million customers a year and employs over 31,000 people worldwide.

To mark this milestone Thomas Cook are today launching A History of British Holidaymaking infographic – a graphically illustrated timeline taking in the last hundred and seventy years of holidaymaking history in the UK.

The infographic was designed by search engine marketing specialists Greenlight and utilised the skills of accomplished young illustrator Anna Trench – known for her political satire illustrations with the Guardian.

Once describing himself as “the willing and devoted servant of the travelling public”, many of the values that inspired Thomas Cook, and his son, John Mason Cook, are as relevant today as they were 170 years ago and the timeline highlights how Thomas Cook has aligned itself with the travel trends of the day.

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said “With such a reputation and history as ours, our customers know they can always trust us with their important holiday plans, and the rest of the industry knows that Thomas Cook has something they can never match or recreate. Over those 170 years, it’s our people and the service we deliver that has been of utmost importance and given us the advantage.”

You can view the timeline right now at http://www.thomascook.com/history-of-british-holidaymaking.

ENDS

About Thomas Cook UK & Ireland:

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is the second largest leisure travel group in the UK with around 19,000 employees offering holidays worldwide to destinations such as Turkey and Crete. The company has a network of more than 800 high street stores, leading websites, and some of the world's favourite travel brands.

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is part of Thomas Cook Group plc. For more information please visit http://www.thomascook.com.

Contacts

Thomas Cook Group Plc

+44 (0) 1733 417271

Source: Thomas Cook

View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110713006042/en

TfL - Golders Green Bus Station Re-opens Ahead of Time

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:05:04 +0000

Golders Green bus station reopened to passengers at the weekend (18 June), three weeks ahead of schedule, following essential resurfacing work.

The bus station, which is used by 2.5 million passengers a year, was closed while the work was carried out.

It was scheduled to take up to eight weeks but has been completed early and bus passengers are once again able to use the bus station.

Chris Kershaw, Transport for London's Head of Infrastructure, said: 'This project is an excellent example of collaboration between TfL, London Borough of Barnet and National Express.

'The fact that it has been completed before time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all those working on the project.

'This is a very busy station with thousands of passengers passing through it each day so we are pleased to be able to return services to normal quicker than expected.'

The resurfacing work involved replacing the block paving on the road with tarmac.

Passengers were required to alight a stop early because of the works.