Transport 2000 today welcomed the Mayor's decision to proceed with two new tram systems, one in central London between Peckham and Camden, the other in west London. Two new guided bus systems for East London have also been approved.

Richard Bourn, London Campaigner at Transport 2000, said:
“This news comes as a very pleasant surprise. We previously thought that only one of these so-called ‘intermediate mode’ schemes would go ahead. Now it appears that all four will happen. This will provide attractive, modern and efficient public transport that will tempt people out of their cars.”

It is notable that only one of these schemes will be in central London. The others will be located largely in outer London where car dependency is greatest and still growing. It is in outer London, where 60% of London’s population lives, that major transport change is most urgently needed. The Croydon Tramlink has shown how effective suburban trams can be in attracting people from cars, revitalising town centres and promoting regeneration.

Richard Bourn concluded:
“The special beauty of these schemes is that the new trams and buses will occupy dedicated space on the roads previously available to other traffic. This will displace cars in favour of public transport and be hugely popular. The new Transport Secretary should take a leaf out of Ken Livingstone’s book and take this approach across the country.”