2008 Manifesto: Appreciating Our Seniors

Making more Overground stations step-free

"I will work with the Government and train operators to make more Overground stations step-free."

2008 Manifesto, Appreciating Our Seniors, pg 8

Despite tough financial times, 15 Tube stations have been made step-free during Boris Johnson’s term in office. Stations include Green Park, now a key step-free gateway to the West End, and Hainault Station in Redbridge (link). A further two interchange stations (Blackfriars and Farringdon) will be made step-free in early 2012 (link). Another five major Tube stations will be made step-free within the current Business Plan period, to 2014/18 (link). At one of London’s busiest Overground stations, Clapham Junction, Boris opened a new entrance and nine new lifts in 2011 (link). The Department for Transport announced last year that six London Overground stations will be made step-free and accessibility improvements will be made at Stratford DLR (link).

Launching the Payback London scheme

"I will crack down on the young people who create trouble on the buses through the Payback London scheme, which will withdraw their right to free bus travel and allow them to earn it back by undertaking community service."

2008 Manifesto, Appreciating Our Seniors, pg 8

Launched in August 2009, the Payback London scheme requires under-18s who have their free bus travel withdrawn to earn it back through community work (link). Mayor Boris Johnson is pleased that the scheme shows young people the importance of contributing to their city – clearing graffiti, picking up litter, and helping community schemes. 10,068 individuals have had their passes withdrawn since 2009 (link).

Increasing safety on buses

"I will increase safety on buses by doubling the amount of police officers on patrol, adding 440 extra officers; and fund 50 extra fully-warranted British Transport Police Officers to patrol the worst railway stations in outer London."

2008 Manifesto, Appreciating Our Seniors, pg 8

Mayor Boris Johnson prioritised safety on London’s public transport. An extra 440 uniformed officers were recruited to the Safer Transport Teams (link).

There are now an extra 50 Transport Police on the Overground, particularly covering outer London stations (link). In 2008, Boris also banned alcohol on the Tube (link). Because of Boris’s tough stance on transport crime, bus crime has decreased by 30 per cent during his term as mayor (MOPC, Monthly Report: Police and Crime Committee, 8 March 2012. Comparing 45 months of Ken Livingstone (August 2004 – April 2008) with 45 months of Boris Johnson (May 2008 – January 2012).

Protecting and extending the Freedom Pass

"I will protect and extend the Freedom Pass by working with the local councils (who fund it) to make it valid 24 hours a day."

2008 Manifesto, Appreciating Our Seniors, pg 8

Mayor Boris Johnson moved quickly to ensure that the Freedom Pass became valid 24 hours a day. The pre 9.00am validity is paid for in full from the Mayor’s Budget (link). Boris is dedicated to ensuring that seniors can get around London economically and easily.