The multi-billion pound modernisation of the London Underground has been hailed as the most successful transport investment in the past decade by the business networking group Radius.
At a debate about how transport influences London’s global ranking, two thirds backed the Tube upgrades followed by the introduction a decade ago of the Oyster payment system.
Hong Kong, followed by Singapore, come out top as key global rivals with regard to transport infrastructure (with 42 per cent and 38 per cent of votes respectively), well ahead of New York, Paris and Amsterdam.
Investment in airport expansion, followed by and rail investment in Crossrail 2 and HS2 come top with regard to the critical next investments, well ahead of increased capacity of commuter trains/network, the road network or upgrade to the bus system.
Opinion was split on whether a strong transport union was important for upholding passenger experience and safety standards.
The debate “London versus the World” was organised by Radius and heard from panellists Richard Barnes, TfL Board Member, former Deputy Mayor of London, David Leam, Executive Director, Infrastructure Policy, London First Chris Sexton, Technical Director, Crossrail and Iain Stewart MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Transport and Evening Standard Transport Editor Matthew Beard.
