Councillor Deirdre Costigan, cabinet member for climate action visited Greenford station last week (17 March).
She discussed Ealing Council’s ongoing commitment to working with Transport for London (TfL) to ensure our public transport receives the investment it requires moving out of the pandemic, and local people get the high-quality, fully accessible facilities they deserve.
The council continues to work with TfL on key strategic projects and is allocating further funding towards schemes including the borough’s school streets programme.
Councillor Costigan said: “In 2015, Greenford Station had the tube’s first sloping lift installed. This has been a lifeline for local people who need accessible stations, whether that’s due to mobility challenges or taking a pram on and off the network.
“We understand the importance of investing in our local transport facilities. We are ready to work together to continue to build a world leading, low carbon and accessible transport system.
“But TfL’s funding arrangements have severely limited what we can achieve together. Other key stations in the borough, including North Acton and Northolt, remain inaccessible.
“Now fare revenue, which provided the bulk of income, has plunged during the pandemic. TfL has had to rely on infrequent injections of short-term cash.
“This means the scope for extra investment is limited, for example in the piccadilly line stock, new bus routes, or investing in new rail to enable to people to get around, as well as into and out of, London.
“We have amazing examples of what can be achieved when TfL is able to work with us to deliver for residents. Crossrail will open soon, and this will transform travel for some Ealing residents.
“We have worked together to begin work on the Uxbridge Road cycle lane, and are revamping our town centres via Crossrail complementary works outside stations.
“And we have a plan for the West Ealing Liveable Neighbourhood, which would make the lido junction safe and welcoming for all road users. Councils are here, ready to deliver. TfL are ready to deliver. We could do even more if we have the security of funding TfL needs.”
