Caroline Pidgeon has formally responded to TfL's Central and Inner London Bus Review consultation.
Caroline said:
The proposals outlined in TfL's Central London Bus Review are deeply concerning, and put the future of bus services in London at risk.
They will level down London and kickstart a vicious cycle of decline across the wider network.
Caroline Pidgeon has warned that the newly opened Barking Riverside extension of the London Overground could be the last ambitious project by Transport for London in the foreseeable future.
Caroline told the BBC:
"I have a fear that whilst this is an amazing project, this is kind of the end of the line for some of the major TfL projects.
As Mark Rowley was named as the Metropolitan Police's new Commissioner, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"I wish Mark Rowley well. London needs him to be a successful Commissioner, at a time when confidence in the Met is at a record low and it's just gone into special measures.
"There is no doubt that the scale of the challenge is immense, but the cultural and organisational failings in the Met cannot be solved by a change at the top alone.
The London Assembly Oversight Committee has released its findings from work which Caroline Pidgeon led, to examine the cost and impact of relocating City Hall.
The report summarises its conclusions:
Caroline had a fantastic day with the LGBT + Liberal Democrats at Pride in London on Saturday, with so many wonderful people!
It was a wonderful day, celebrating how much things have changed in the last 50 years, but more importantly pushing for further progress towards an equal society, where everyone can be free to be themselves.
Reacting to the Metropolitan Police being placed under special measures, Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and member of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee said:
Caroline had a great trip to Blackwall FC to meet Zak and the team. The club is run by the Osmani Trust and is a great example of a project which helps more young people to build friendships, confidence and a positive focus.
Caroline said:
It’s essential projects like this continue to be supported. The organisers and young people involved in Blackwall FC are showing just how transformative sports can be in our communities. We need to see more community-led sports-based initiatives like this that are funded and supported over the long-term.
Caroline had an excellent day in sunny New Malden supporting the Kingston Lib Dem team - Mark, Lesley and Robert. It was great to be joined by Cllr John Sweeney and Cllr Victor Chamberlain too!
As the Mayor warned that London transport fares may rise by 10% in January, Caroline Pidgeon underlined the serious negative impact this would have for Londoners. Caroline told the Evening Standard:
“A 10 per cent rises in fares at a time of a national cost of living crisis would be incredibly painful for many households. I am especially concerned about any rise in bus fares which would especially hit many people on low incomes.
In the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon pushed the Mayor to pilot Mobility Hubs at some outer London Underground car parks to bring together bike hire, tubes, buses, car clubs and click-and-collect, as well as EV charging.
Caroline also asked the Mayor to work with the taxi trade to increase rapid EV charging points at taxi refreshment and rest ranks. He has agreed to a meeting about this.
Transport for London has proposed heavy cuts to London's bus services, affecting 23 boroughs, and scrapping 1 in every 20km of bus routes.
Caroline Pidgeon said:
"TfL's proposed bus route changes and cuts are concerning. There have been warnings for months, but these proposals are such a shock. More Londoners travel by bus than any other mode of transport, and buses reach every corner of our city.
With the long-awaited central London section of Crossrail now finally open after many delays, Caroline Pidgeon wrote at the OnLondon website:
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on today’s announcement of a consultation on extending further the Ultra Low Emission Zone, said:
“I welcome this consultation. While there are many important details that need to be addressed, the extension of the ULEZ is ultimately necessary. Air pollution is not a problem that stops once someone crosses the North or South Circular Roads.
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Mayor of London, pressing him to lobby the Government on the impact of compulsory calorie labelling on those with eating disorders.
Caroline said:
I've written to the Mayor sharing my concerns and those of leading campaigners, including Hope Virgo, over compulsory calorie labelling and the impact on those with eating disorders.
I hope he joins the lobbying efforts on this important issue.
As the government announced its plans to legalise private e-scooters on public roads, Caroline Pidgeon warned of the need for tough regulatory standards - including an acceptable speed limit, and safety measures such as lights.
Caroline stressed:
“Most importantly, it is vital that e-scooters remain illegal on pavements and that the police properly enforce the law in this area.
“The needs of pedestrians and especially blind people must not be overlooked.”
As Transport for London shelved its plans to install permanent anti-terror barriers (Hostile Vehicle Mitigations) on central London river bridges, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"It is bitterly disappointing that this vital work is no longer going ahead. The proper maintenance of London bridges is being compromised.
Caroline had a bumper bank holiday weekend, getting out to support fantastic Liberal Democrat candidates in Richmond, Kingston, Southwark, Lambeth and Merton!
Remember to vote Lib Dem on Thursday 5 May for dedicated, hardworking local councillors!
Caroline spent a great afternoon on the doors in Bermondsey with the Southwark Liberal Democrats team supporting William Houngbo, Damian O'Brien and Martina Moh.
Caroline had an excellent campaigning trip to Catford, supporting mayoral candidate Chris Maines and the Lewisham Liberal Democrat team.
Caroline had a fantastic afternoon campaigning in St Katharine's and Wapping ward, supporting Lib Dem council candidates Mahbub Alam and Dominic Buxton, and Mayoral candidate Rabina Khan.
