transport for london business plan

Friday 13 Dec 2019

TfL Press Release - TfL Business Plan: investing to keep London moving

• Five-year plan means continued investment to encourage greater use of public transport, walking and cycling and significantly improving the environment and air quality
• Firm financial management keeps TfL on track to deliver an operating surplus by 2022/23 with net annual cost of operations reduced by more than £1bn since 2015/16
• Delay to the opening of the Elizabeth line and a subdued economy means a cautious approach necessary to revenue forecasts
• Sustained Government funding needed to support the safe and reliable operation of the current transport network and to accommodate the city’s growth

Transport for London (TfL) has today published its draft five-year Business Plan covering the period from 2020/21 to 2024/25.

Alongside the Mayor's Transport Strategy, the draft plan will be considered by TfL’s Finance Committee on 18 December. It sets out how transport will support sustainable growth, making the city a safer, greener and better place to live, work and visit.

Despite continued uncertainty in the economy, the plan shows very strong progress in reducing the net cost of TfL’s operations. However, it is essential for there to be long-term certainty around Government investment in existing and new transport assets to ensure that services support the growing city. TfL’s finances continue to be subject to substantial pressures as a result of the average £700m a year reduction in Government funding for its day-to-day operations.

While passenger numbers on public transport have been slightly higher overall compared to last year, recent weeks have seen a notable softening in demand which could be linked to wider economic uncertainty. This affects long-term passenger trends and commercial income, meaning that revenue forecasts must remain cautious across the plan period.

Since last year’s plan, Crossrail Limited has confirmed on 8 November 2019 that it needs further time to complete software development for the railway’s signalling and train systems and for overall safety approvals on the line. As a result, the opening of the central section of the Elizabeth line will not occur in 2020 but will be as soon as practically possible in 2021. This has created significant additional capital investment and revenue pressures.

As announced at its Board meeting in November, between £500m and £750m in lost revenue needs to be absorbed in addition to the £600m highlighted in last year’s plan. This revenue shortfall is spread across the next four financial years and will be managed through further savings and by encouraging more people to use public transport.

TfL has gripped its costs, both in its own operations and through the supply chain. This has reduced the net annual cost of operations by more than £1bn since 2015/16, while a range of improvements have continued to be delivered.

In the last year alone, the world-leading Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced in central London, peak-hour services were extended on the Victoria line and train frequencies increased on some London Overground lines. These improvements are contributing to operating income being forecast to be almost £6bn in 2019/20, with passenger numbers expected to reach a record 4.37bn journeys a year by the end of the plan period.

TfL remains on track to generate an operating surplus by 2022/23, meaning that it will cover the cost of financing, maintaining, operating and renewing its transport network. This will help ensure it can manage debt and reduce borrowing levels. Throughout the plan period, significant investment will continue providing better, more frequent and accessible transport options. This investment includes:

• Completing the signalling upgrade and increasing capacity by 33 per cent on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and District lines, delivering refurbished trains on the Central line and new, spacious state-of-the-art trains on the Piccadilly line. TfL will also continue to make the case for Government investment to replace the life-expired signalling system on the Piccadilly line, which it had to pause last year owing to a lack of certainty around Government funding. It remains TfL’s intention to press ahead with this essential work as soon as funding is confirmed.
• Continuing the electrification of London buses, already the largest electric fleet in Europe, with more than 2,000 zero-emission buses by end of 2024/25. TfL will also work with bus operators to implement its world-leading Bus Safety Standard, including all new buses purchased from August 2019 having Intelligent Speed Assistance as standard.
• Reducing TfL’s environmental impact through installing new solar panels on selected London Underground, DLR and tram depots to deliver more than 1.1 megawatts of power, and the continued retrofitting of lighting across the network to energy-efficient LEDs. TfL will also be increasing the amount of low-carbon energy supplied to its infrastructure which comes from renewable energy sources with an aim for its rail services to be 100 per cent carbon-free by 2030.
• Maintaining and upgrading existing core assets across the transport network to provide safe and reliable journeys. This includes replacing rails to offer customers a smoother, quieter ride, and maintaining lifts and escalators. New walk-through trains on the DLR will be delivered, increasing capacity on the lines and providing more frequent, direct services. Following a two-year pause, proactive renewal of roads and paving will also recommence with a focus on improving the experience for those walking, cycling or taking public transport.
• Supporting Crossrail Limited in the remaining and complex technical work necessary to allow the Elizabeth line to open. From Sunday 15 December this year, TfL Rail will begin running services to Reading from Paddington, with direct services between Heathrow from Paddington beginning in spring 2020. Construction continues around the clock in stations and tunnels on the rest of the Elizabeth line, with safety-critical systems now being installed and tested. The central section of the Elizabeth line will in 2020 undergo extensive trial running and testing to ensure it is safe and reliable and will open as soon as practically possible in 2021.
• Helping further to clean up London’s toxic air by tightening the Low Emission Zone standards in October 2020 and, in October 2021, expanding the successful central London ULEZ - the toughest air quality standard of any city in the world - to cover the area within the North and South Circular Roads.
• Working with boroughs, investing in new high-quality cycle routes across London and working with local communities to improve high streets, making them safer and accessible to everyone. Delivering these schemes forms part of TfL’s commitment to Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate death and serious injury from London’s roads by 2041.
• Delivering 10,000 homes and two million sq. ft of commercial floor space across London, with 50 per cent of the homes being affordable.
• Introducing new services on the Northern line extension to Battersea and the Barking Riverside extension on the London Overground.

TfL will also continue to make the case for future transport infrastructure to support the growth of London and support the wider South East region and the UK overall, such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo line extension. Delivering these schemes would unlock hundreds of thousands of new homes and lead to cleaner air, better health, a more prosperous economy and real progress towards carbon neutrality, as well as better transport links.

While London has benefited from additional third-party funding for transport projects, such as being successful in bids from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, TfL did not see any commitment in the 2019 Government spending round. This is now materially limiting long-term investment in the transport network.

Following the General Election, the Mayor and London’s Transport Commissioner will be writing to the new Government to press the need to confirm the steady and sustained funding London needs to the benefit of the UK as a whole.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:  “I am hugely proud of what we have achieved improving transport across London – this is despite the ongoing economic uncertainty and the average reduction of £700m per year in TfL's funding from central Government. Alongside our continuing modernisation of the Tube, TfL fares will be frozen again this January, and we continue to take some of the boldest action of any city in the world greening up our transport network and improving air quality across the capital.

“But London also needs a Government that recognises the importance of continued investment in new infrastructure for the future of our economy, and it is essential the new Government commits to working with us to deliver vital projects such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo Line extension.”

London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, said: “Since our formation in 2000, there has been enormous commitment and sustained investment to revitalise our transport network, supporting our city’s economic growth. In this time of uncertainty, this Business Plan is focused on running safe and reliable services while investing to improve travel. But cities can only thrive if they benefit from steady, sustained funding in existing and new infrastructure. We are working urgently to secure this, and I will be writing to the Government to seek this investment to keep London and the country moving.”

A copy of the draft TfL Business Plan will be available to download here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/finance-committee

Contact Information

TfL Press Office Transport for London 0343 222 4141 [email protected]

Notes to editors

In November 2019, the TfL Board approved revised targets for 2019/20, which more closely aligned to the Quarter 2 forecasts for TfL’s year-end position. These new targets have been reflected in the Business Plan and mean that TfL’s net cost of operations is now forecast to be £434m better than those previously forecast in its annual budget.

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TfL’s new draft Business Plan to support London’s economic recovery

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Posted: 5 December 2022 | Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

In addition to setting out its path to financial sustainability, TfL’s latest Business Plan will focus on delivering key improvements across London’s road and rail network, while achieving its climate action targets.

Credit: Transport for London

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it has published its latest Business Plan, setting out how it will support London’s economic recovery and become more sustainable whilst achieving operational financial sustainability by 2023/24. 

Across the plan, £8.1 billion will be invested in London’s road and rail network, as well as funding to boroughs provided for investment in their streets. The total investment in safe and active travel, across both operating and capital expenditure, will average £150 million per year across the Business Plan. This will allow further delivery of the capital’s strategic cycle routes, as well as the delivery of new cycleways and safer junctions to make London’s major roads safer and more attractive for those walking and cycling.

Furthermore, the plan will see the delivery of the London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to further tackle the triple challenges of air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion. This will be supported by a £110 million scrappage scheme, as well as the expansion of outer London’s bus network.

The plan will also see TfL become the ‘green heartbeat’ for London, supporting the Mayor’s ambition for a net zero-carbon city by 2030 . Additional funding has been allocated to embed action on environment in TfL’s work, including to cut and adapt to the impacts of climate change on London’s public transport network. The plan also keeps the pathway open to London’s bus fleet transitioning to zero-emission by 2030. 

In order to encourage customers back, TfL will also be investing in its infrastructure to keep services safe, clean and reliable, as well as delivering a range of improvements to London’s Tube, bus and rail network. This includes investment in the development of new trains to replace the ageing Piccadilly line fleet and a new fleet for the Docklands Light Railway.

As part of this, new signalling on the Circle line has now been delivered, and TfL will complete the remainder of the Four Lines Modernisation programme – delivering more frequent, reliable and faster journeys to the District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. The project to modernise and expand Bank station will also be completed, transforming customer journeys at the heart of the city. 

TfL’s new data shows continued rise in walking and cycling across London

The plan prioritises projects that will be financially viable within three to five years, and includes energy efficiency projects, which will further reduce TfL’s operating costs and contribute to meeting London’s environmental goals. TfL will also continue the work of becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation and one that invests in staff welfare and facilities to ensure that it remains an attractive place to work. 

Investing in new trains and signalling will create jobs and investment across the UK and help to grow the wider UK economy. To do this, long-term certainty on Government funding is needed past the current funding agreement to April 2024. 

“Following tough negotiations and my commitment to prioritise funding for London’s vital public transport, TfL is on track for financial stability, ridership across the network is increasing and there have been major improvements to the capital’s public transport network,” said the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. “It is clear there are many challenges ahead, but TfL’s Business Plan sets out how London’s world-class public transport network will continue to contribute to a better, greener and fairer city for all Londoners.”

London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “This plan shows how we will work to achieve our vision of being the green heartbeat of London, and how we will continue on the path to financial sustainability whilst delivering real and vital improvements for the city. It will deliver new trains for the DLR and the Piccadilly line, new cycleways, the new Thames crossing at Silvertown, safer junctions, an expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone and a new expansion of the bus network in outer London to support growth.”

In this Business Plan , TfL’s savings target is increasing to a total of £1 billion recurring savings, meaning a further £600 million per year needs to be delivered by 2025/26. This will be delivered through a focus on improving efficiencies, driving improvements where possible for TfL colleagues, and an approach to continuous savings, including working together with TfL’s supply chain to make further efficiencies.

The draft TfL Business Plan will be considered by the TfL Board on 7 December 2022. 

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Related topics Air Quality , Alternative Power , Fleet Management & Maintenance , Mobility Services , Passenger Experience , Public Transport , Sustainable Urban Transport , Workforce Inclusivity , Workplace

Related modes Bus & Coach , Rail

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Related countries United Kingdom

Related organisations Transport for London (TfL) , UK Government

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TfL releases business plan to keep London moving

Transport for London (TfL) has published its five-year Business Plan draft covering 2020/21 to 2024/25 to support sustainable growth in London

TfL’s five-year business plan includes continued investment to encourage greater use of public transport, walking and cycling and significantly improving the environment and air quality in London.

Alongside the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, the draft business plan will be considered by TfL’s Finance Committee on 18 December. It sets out how transport will support sustainable growth, making the city a safer, greener and better place to live, work and visit.

Despite continued uncertainty in the economy , the business plan shows strong progress in reducing the net cost of TfL’s operations. However, it is essential for continued certainty in Government investment in transport assets to ensure that services support the growing city. TfL’s finances continue to be subject to substantial pressures as a result of the average £700m a year reduction in Government funding for its day-to-day operations.

Since last year’s plan, Crossrail has revealed it needs more time to complete software development for signalling and train systems and for overall safety approvals on the line. As a result, the opening of the Elizabeth line will not occur in 2020 but in 2021. This has created significant additional capital investment and revenue pressures.

TfL reduced the net annual cost of operations by more than £1bn since 2015/16, while a range of improvements have continued to be delivered.

Last year, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced in central London, peak-hour services were extended on the Victoria line and train frequencies increased on some London Overground lines. These improvements are contributing to operating income being forecast to be almost £6bn in 2019/20.

TfL remains on track to generate an operating surplus by 2022/23, meaning it will cover the cost of financing, maintaining, operating and renewing its transport network. This will help reduce borrowing levels.

Significant investment will in the planned period includes:

• Completing the signalling upgrade and increasing capacity by 33% on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and District lines, delivering refurbished trains on the Central line and new trains on the Piccadilly line.
• Continuing the electrification of London buses to more than 2,000 by end of 2024/25. TfL will also implement its Bus Safety Standard to include Intelligent Speed Assistance as standard.
• Reducing TfL’s environmental impact through installing solar panels on selected London Underground, DLR and tram depots to deliver more than 1.1 megawatts of power, and the continued retrofitting of lighting to energy-efficient LEDs. TfL will also be increasing the number of renewable energy sources, with an aim for its rail services to be 100% carbon-free by 2030.
• New walk-through trains on the DLR will be delivered, increasing capacity on the lines and providing more frequent, direct services. Renewal of roads and paving will also recommence to improve journeys for those walking, cycling or taking public transport.
• Supporting Crossrail in the work necessary to allow the Elizabeth line to open . Construction continues in stations and tunnels on line, with safety-critical systems now being installed and tested.
• Tightening the Low Emission Zone standards and expanding the successful central London ULEZ to cover the area within the North and South Circular Roads.
• Investing in high-quality cycle routes across London and working with local communities to improve high streets, making them safer and accessible to everyone. Delivering these schemes forms part of TfL’s commitment to Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate death and serious injury from London’s roads by 2041.
• Delivering 10,000 homes and two million sq ft commercial floorspace across London, with 50% of the homes being affordable .
• Introducing new services on the Northern line to Battersea and the Barking Riverside extension on the London Overground.

While London has benefited from third-party funding for public transport projects, such as the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, TfL did not see any commitment in the 2019 Government spending round. This is now limiting long-term investment in the transport sector.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am hugely proud of what we have achieved improving transport across London – this is despite the ongoing economic uncertainty and the average reduction of £700m per year in TfL’s funding from central Government.

“Alongside our continuing modernisation of the Tube, TfL fares will be frozen again this January, and we continue to take some of the boldest action of any city in the world greening up our transport network and improving air quality across the capital.

“But London also needs a government that recognises the importance of continued investment in new infrastructure for the future of our economy, and it is essential the new government commits to working with us to deliver vital projects such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo Line extension.”

London’s transport commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, added: “In this time of uncertainty, this Business Plan is focused on running safe and reliable services while investing to improve travel.

“But cities can only thrive if they benefit from steady, sustained funding in existing and new infrastructure. We are working urgently to secure this, and I will be writing to the government to seek this investment to keep London and the country moving.”

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TfL Business Plan 2009/10 to 2017/18

Data incorporated in Transport for London's Business Plan.

TfL's Business Plan sets out how TfL will improve and expand London's transport network over the next 10 years. It defines the priorities and programmes to be delivered over the period of TfL’s funding settlement with Government. The data supports and describes the Plan's objectives.

Data is currently available in Excel format. We are working to make this data available in CSV format.

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London Transportation: Everything You Need to Know

Climbing the steps of an iconic double-decker bus in London can be as thrilling as your first glimpse of Big Ben —getting around London is just part of the adventure! Here’s everything you need to know about London transportation from “is there Uber in London?” to “how do I use the Tube?”.

London transportation basics

Many of London’s attractions are centrally located near the Thames River . This means you can see Westminster Abbey , Buckingham Palace , and Trafalgar Square all on foot in the same afternoon. 

But locals tell us you’ll want to venture from the city’s center. Unique neighborhoods like Notting Hill and foodie streets like Brick Lane are most easily accessed by public transportation. Transport for London (TfL) is the city government’s authority on all things transit—including the London Underground, buses, cabs, and even bicycles.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get around London: 

The Tube is usually your best bet

Locals tell us that the London Underground map may  look  intimidating—but navigating "The Tube" is easier than it looks. Extensive, efficient, and clean, it's an excellent option for navigating the city. Just remember to  mind the gap!  as you get on and off the train. 

Like Cinderella’s carriage, many stations turn into pumpkins at midnight (i.e. they close down). Select lines continue service into the wee hours on Fridays and Saturdays but plan to take a cab after any late-night adventures.

Double-decker buses are your friend

You know you’re in London when you see a bright red double-decker bus rounding Piccadilly Circus . You may have sea legs the first time you climb to the second floor, but the wobbly walk is worth it. Grab a seat at the front and it will feel like you’re on a tour bus. This is a great way to see the city while getting where you want to go.

These top-heavy buses are not known for speed, so be prepared for a leisurely pace. Locals say the Tube is a better option for packed itineraries with less wiggle room for unexpected traffic.

You cannot use cash on any bus in London. But you can use an Oyster card or Travelcard. (You’ll need to buy these before boarding the bus at a Tube station or an Oyster Ticket Shop —more on that later).

With more than 9,000 buses in the TfL fleet, the bus routes are extensive—navigating them can be daunting.

How to pay for public transit

London’s Underground is one of the most expensive in the world, and calculating fares can be a head-spinning endeavor. Locals explain that the Tube is organized into zones, which determine your fare. For example, the most-visited sites are located in Zones 1 and 2. However, to get to Heathrow via public transportation, you’ll need access to Zones 1 through 6—and a ticket that will take you across all these zones is more expensive.

Oyster Cards

The most convenient way to use any London public transportation (and even the National Railways) is by purchasing an Oyster card . Locals use these adorably-named pre-loaded plastic cards every day. They only require a tap to enter and exit the Tube. 

Where to buy Oyster cards?

You can buy your Oyster online  and have it shipped to your home. The moment you land in sunny old England, you’ll be ready to go. This is especially helpful if you plan to take the Tube from the airport (see advice below). You can also purchase an Oyster at any station once you arrive—this just means one more line to wait in.

How much do Oyster cards cost?

The Visitor Oyster card costs £5. You then pre-load it with whatever amount you think you’ll need. As you ride, the card automatically calculates your fare and subtracts that amount from your total. You can always top off your card. It will never expire, so you can save any unused credit or have your money refunded. 

Travelcards

How do Travelcards work?

Another option offered by TfL is the paper Travelcard . This gives you unlimited access to any public transportation for a flat rate. You can buy a Travelcard to last a day, seven days, a month, three months or six months.

Where to buy Travelcards?

Travelcards can also be purchased online ahead of your trip. Or, like an Oyster card, you can buy them in Tube stations.

Oystercard or Travelcard? 

Locals say if you plan on using public transportation a lot, the seven-day pass likely has the best value (it’s around £4/day less than the day pass). Although a Visitor Oyster card is not a flat rate, it does cap the amount you’ll spend in one day at or below the equivalent Day Travelcard rate. 

Single-fare tickets

Transport for London dissuades travelers from using single-fare tickets by increasing the price. The same ride will cost more with a single-fare ticket than it would with an Oyster. If you plan on using public transportation only once or twice, you can go this route. But be prepared to dust off your math skills. 

Unlike New York City’s subway, all fares are not created equal in London. They are determined by the zones you enter and the time of day you ride. You will need to calculate the cost before you purchase a single-fare ticket.

In short, locals suggest:

• If you anticipate using public transportation more than four times per day, go with the 7-Day TravelCard. 
• If you’d rather not risk paying for rides you won’t use, go with the Visitor Oyster Card. If you do spend a day riding the rails, you won’t pay more than you would for a Day TravelCard. Plus, you’ll get to tap your Oyster like a true Londoner.
• If you only plan on taking public transit once or twice on your trip, go with a Single Ride ticket.

Taxis are everywhere (and they’re probably not what you’re used to)

The classic cab color in London is black—slightly more difficult to spot than NYC’s yellow taxis. But as in NYC, look for one with its yellow light on. If the light is off, that cab is not in service. 

A meter will tell you your fare at the end of the trip. Licensed taxis are required to have a working credit card reader. To drive one mile, expect to pay around £7 to £8. Locals say that cabs are convenient, but if your budget is top-of-mind, reserve taxis for times when you’ve wandered far from the Tube or are out past midnight. They note that it's polite to tip your cabbie 10–15%, but many people simply round their fare to the nearest pound and tell the driver to keep the change.

Taxis can be booked head of time via phone or online, but this will cost extra. 

Fun fact: In order to be licensed as a driver, London cabbies must first master “ The Knowledge ”—an encyclopedic memory of London’s 25,000 streets and landmarks. Thought to be one of the most difficult tests in the world, The Knowledge often takes years of studying to pass.

Bicycles are available, but keep these things in mind

London is not made for cyclists, though improvements to cycling routes are in progress. A bike is considered a vehicle so traffic laws must be obeyed. This means riding on the left side of the road.

Transport for London’s bikeshare program, Santander Cycles, is a convenient way to rent a bike. Bikes can be found throughout the city and hired on the spot via credit card. You’ll pay £2 for 24-hour access. As long as you return your bike to any dock within 30 minutes, you won’t pay any more than that. If you ride longer, you’ll be charged £2 for every additional 30 minutes.

Electric scooters are illegal to ride on the UK’s streets. Don’t expect to see scooter-sharing companies throughout London. However, Bird is reportedly lobbying for changes to the law and does have scooters for rent in Olympic Park .

Skip the rental car

Locals tell us that London's strong public transit means that you don't need to rent a car. If you do, you'll likely have to unlearn years of practice—in the U.K., cars drive on the left side of the road. 

Even if you plan on traveling to Bath or Oxford, locals say you'll be able to navigate by using public transportation. 

Getting to and from London’s airports

Three major airports serve London. Heathrow is the busiest and where most international flights arrive and depart. Gatwick is the farthest from downtown. London City is the smallest and so typically used for short flights to Europe. Here’s how to get from each to the center of the city.

Heathrow (LHR)

• Best value: Catch the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line from Heathrow and your travel time will be about an hour. A single-fare ticket is around £6. If you use your pre-bought Oyster, the fare is only around £3 during off-peak hours (peak hours occur between 6:30 and 9:30 AM on weekdays). 
• The Heathrow Express will take you by rail from the airport to  Paddington Station in 15 minutes. But with speed comes cost. A one-way ticket is £25.
• Black cabs queue at Heathrow and can easily be found. Travel times are difficult to predict due to traffic. They range from 30 to 60 minutes. This means your fare will be at least £48 and as much as £90.

Gatwick (LGW)

• Best value: The Gatwick Express will take you by rail from the airport to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. A one-way ticket is around £18.
• The National Express is a coach service running direct routes between Victoria Station and Gatwick. One-way tickets can be as cheap as £8, but the bus ride will be at least 60 minutes.
• Black cabs can be hailed at kiosks located in both Gatwick terminals. Your ride will be at least an hour and will likely cost more than £100. 

London City (LCY)

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• Safety Management

Managing the risk of fatigue: the Transport for London approach

Worker fatigue could potentially pose a serious risk to the safe running of London’s public transport and strategic road network, but Transport for London has a comprehensive set of measures in place to minimise the chance of tiredness affecting workers’ ability to perform safely.

Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering the Mayor of London’s transport strategy and, as part of this, we run the day-to-day operation of the capital’s public transport network and manage London’s strategic roads. We have around 27,000 employees in an incredibly diverse range of roles and locations, all working to provide a safe and reliable transport service to millions of Londoners and visitors every day.

Such significant responsibility does not come without risk. Managing such risk in a complex and varied organisation like TfL provides both unique challenges and exciting opportunities to innovate better solutions. One such risk – both to the individual and the organisation – is around fatigue. How does such a vast organisation support individuals with their health and wellbeing while simultaneously working to manage and control organisational risk from fatigue?

The answer is with a dedicated programme team, clear strategic vision and a lot of collaboration and engagement. Understanding the needs of the business and plotting a series of medium- and long-term goals were the key initial actions, which has led TfL to develop a variety of key tools with which to aid fatigue management.

Fatigue Management Plan

In November 2022, we launched our Pan-TfL Fatigue Management Plan (FMP) setting out 12 activity areas for managing fatigue risk, aligned with regulatory and industry good practice (see the diagram far right that sets these out). Progressive requirements from minimum to best practice are set out for each activity. Business areas need to meet minimum ‘must’ requirements, ensuring compliance with standards, but are also encouraged to work towards progressive ‘should’ good practice requirements, continually building maturity in risk management. The plan has been embedded within our refreshed Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Management System, which is easier for colleagues to access, understand and apply.

Supporting the launch of this new framework, we have continued to progress activity within each of the fatigue activity areas, such as the development of ‘fatigue friendly’ rosters in response to business changes. We have carried out a complete refresh of training materials, launching four new fatigue training courses online, which also means that colleagues can do it at times suitable to them. These have been appropriately targeted to positions and are proportionate to the level of risk associated with different roles – for example, a colleague in an operational role will require different training to a colleague in a head office role. These include:

• Fatigue Awareness at TfL – targeted at all employees, providing an overview of and stressing the importance of managing fatigue, and how to take action.
• Managing Fatigue at TfL – targeted at managers, providing an overview of requirements for managers to enable effective management of fatigue for their teams.
• Fatigue and Shiftwork Awareness – targeted at those who work shifts, providing additional detail and guidance on how to proactively manage fatigue.
• Fatigue Awareness for Schedulers – targeted at colleagues who manage, update or otherwise interface with schedules and rosters, providing knowledge on best practice for minimising the impact of fatigue on colleagues who work shifts.

We have also developed the ‘Managing Fatigue at TfL’ handbook available to all staff containing advice and actions for improving fatigue, health and wellbeing, as well as developing a guide for colleagues’ family and friends to help them understand the impact of shift work and how they can support their loved ones in minimising the impact of fatigue.

Contributory factor

Determining whether fatigue may be a contributory factor in incidents is key to preventing recurrence and – to that end – we have been trialling a new approach where managers ask questions as part of investigations.

Understanding this information from a pan-organisational level is key in enabling us to identify key trends in order to target interventions in the most efficient way. Utilising advances in information technology and business intelligence, we currently have in development an app that will enable managers to comply with current and emerging requirements, while simultaneously allowing a programme level view of trends and data in order to further inform initiatives and interventions.

What does the future hold? We have begun to audit against the fatigue requirements in our SHE Management System, so in the short-term we will continue to embed the information and increase understanding of fatigue across the business. Engaging our colleagues who have traditionally been difficult to reach will continue to be a strong focus of the programme and we have been delivering support in a number of different ways.

For example, we have delivered face-to-face briefings to night workers engaged on our maintenance and upgrade works on the Docklands Light Railway. By delivering key messages on both the causes and impacts of fatigue in person, as well as what can be done to reduce the occurrence of fatigue, we were able to respond to questions and clarifications instantly. Additionally, these briefings provided simple key messages on recognising the signs and symptoms of fatigue in themselves as individuals and others, to further aid self-management and reduce the potential impacts of fatigue.

Engaging colleagues

Our programme team is also focused on innovative ways to engage colleagues in this complex and difficult to manage topic. We ask a lot of our people in order to provide a safe and reliable transport service to millions of Londoners and visitors every day and delivering support to all colleagues is a key part of this work. We have recently worked with an external contractor to deliver a ground-breaking intervention, which was developed in close partnership with night-time workers themselves, and is underpinned by rigorous academic research from Oxford University’s Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute.

‘Night Club’ is designed to engage and communicate the best available evidence-based sleep health information to night workers in situ during the night shift. Sleep experts are on hand to offer easy to follow advice on the interventions individuals can make to improve the quality and extent of their sleep.

We have delivered ‘Night Club’ to hundreds of TfL colleagues across a variety of roles in multiple operational locations. ‘Night Club’ brings sleep experts into the workplace to inform colleagues with evidence-based sleep health information during their shifts. Their sessions focus on improving diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, mental health and understanding of chronotypes and sleep.

Ultimately, the health and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount to us, not just as a responsible employer, but because it is vital for the safe running of the transport network. We will continue to build on the work that has already been undertaken to make sure that we effectively mitigate risk as we seek to transport people from A to B across the capital.

Chris Jones is safety strategy manager – safety, health and environment at Transport for London.

• Transport for London

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