Almost half of all Londoners would choose public transport over their cars if travel fares were significantly reduced, according to new polling data. The revelation comes as the capital contends with some of Europe's highest transport costs, set to increase further with above-inflation rises mandated until 2029.
The Carrot: What Would Persuade Drivers to Switch?
The survey from Savanta and the Centre for London think tank, obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, indicates that 49% of residents would abandon their vehicles for the London Underground if public transport became more affordable. This was the single most influential factor identified in the research.
Beyond cost considerations, comfort and reliability emerged as crucial factors. Over a third of respondents stated they would make the switch if services were less crowded, safer, and more dependable than current offerings. Improving accessibility throughout the network would encourage 34% to use public transport more frequently, while 19% specifically highlighted the need for better toilet access.
The Stick: Road Charges and Outer London Challenges
While incentives proved popular, the research also explored disincentives for driving. Approximately one-fifth of Londoners suggested that increased road user charges would persuade them to leave their cars at home. This finding emerges amid ongoing efforts from City Hall to reduce the capital's 2.6 million registered vehicles to benefit the environment and decrease congestion.
Daniel Reast, Senior Researcher at Centre for London, emphasised the geographical disparities in car ownership patterns. "While the data shows an increase in car ownership across the capital, it hides regional divides," he explained. "Central London has seen a decrease, while areas in the East have seen a sharp increase."
Reast identified family mobility needs as a significant driver of car dependency in outer boroughs. "As families have moved to Outer London, particularly to the East, so has the use of cars. It's the ease and convenience of hopping in a car with children, to pop to the shops or take the kids to school, as well as mobility requirements."
The Path Forward: Orbital Routes and Funding Gaps
To achieve the Mayor's goal of having 80% of journeys made by public or active transport by 2041, the research points to the necessity of improving orbital transport connections. These routes, which facilitate travel between local areas rather than just to and from Central London, are considered vital for outer boroughs where car ownership is rising.
Several proposed transport projects, including the Bakerloo line extension and West London Orbital, could potentially connect more parts of London by rail. However, these ambitious schemes await the necessary funding to become reality.
In a separate survey, a significant percentage of Londoners expressed support for a 'pay per mile' charging system and higher taxes on SUVs. Simon Pirani of campaign group Fare Free London welcomed the findings, stating: "We believe that making public transport free is a social justice measure and that it should help to encourage people to use it rather than their cars."
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London defended the current administration's record, noting that bus and tram fares have been frozen six times since 2016. "TfL fares set by the Mayor are around 9% lower than if they had increased in line with National Rail fares since 2016," they stated, highlighting various travel concessions available to millions of eligible Londoners.
