Feels like it's been here forever, doesn't it? But Transport for London is a mere 25 years old.
The London-wide organisation was created in the year 2000, at the same time as the Greater London Authority and the role of Mayor of London. Before that, London's transport needs were overseen at a national level by a body called London Transport.
To celebrate its quarter century (actual birthday 3 July), TfL put on a bit of a show at Liverpool Street Station this morning (27 Jan). Buskers played hits from the past 25 years. A series of five posters showed off TfL's achievements from the past quarter century. TfL head honcho Andy Lord said a few words. And, most enticing of all, we were promised a brand new silver roundel, to mark the organisation's silver jubilee.
We turned up to the Elizabeth line entrance a little bit after the 8.30am unveiling (you know, some of us have a school run to do). We missed Andy Lord. We also missed the roundel. Our silver friend was now covered over with a funereal black shroud. We don't know where or when this physical roundel might be re-animated, though we can expect to see it reproduced across TfL marketing this year.
"Making every journey matter," proclaims the text on the silver roundel we never got to see. Well, not this journey. But that's our fault for assuming "TfL unveils new roundel," meant more than a one hour blink-and-you-miss-it.
Also notable in their absence were the "series of eye-catching new posters marking the improvements to public transport since TfL was established". They may have been there, somewhere, but if so they were demonstrably not eye-catching. We were lucky enough to see the buskers but, on two passes half an hour apart, they were chatting among themselves.
Ian had more luck, turning up during the brief window for the press launch.
Petulance aside, TfL should be saluted for its achievements over its first quarter century. Under its stewardship, the Tube map has radically altered, with the introduction of the Elizabeth line, the reworking of existing track to forge the Overground network, the addition of several DLR routes, the Tramlink, a Northern line extension, oh... and the cable car. The list is so dizzying that TfL didn't even mention the Piccadilly extension to Heathrow Terminal 5 in its press release.
TfL has also overseen countless other developments, from Oyster Cards and PAYG fares, to congestion charging and ULEZ, to the introduction of cycle hire, to the construction of the Silvertown Tunnel. Like a cut-and-cover Underground line, that barely scratches the surface. Yes, there have been gripes — inevitable on a tangle of systems used by millions every day — but most would agree that TfL have nurtured a much better transport network than they inherited.
Congratulations to TfL on a largely successful first quarter century. Let's hope Crossrail 2, the Bakerloo extension, jetpack hire and a more meaningful launch event are all hallmarks of its 50th anniversary.
