Caroline writes for the Womanthology website on the changing face of transport policy and the importance of seeing the world from the viewpoint of women as well as men.
When most people think of the transport industry their immediate image is of a very male dominated world. From train drivers and leaders of their unions through to the senior management of train companies, the common factor is male dominance.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the National Audit Office's inquiry report into the funding of the Garden Bridge, said:
"This report is clear evidence that the Department of Transport had its arm twisted into supporting the Garden Bridge by George Osbourne. From the very outset personal interests overcame serious concerns about value of money for the taxpayer.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on the Mayor’s announcement, about proposed East London river crossings, said:
“Having long supported and campaigned for the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf pedestrian and cycle bridge I am delighted that the Mayor is now committed to accelerating this project.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the publication of the consultation results on proposals to improve air quality in London, said:
“The Mayor must now listen to the very strong message that Londoners have sent over the urgent need to tackle air pollution in London.
“The Mayor needs to not just proceed with his air pollution proposals but also ensure they go further.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on the Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan published on 13th September, said:
“Finally the Mayor has come forward with some proposals to start to address the crisis on London’s roads and tackle the unsustainable growth in private hire vehicles and the need to invest in our taxi services.”
As the operators of the Thames cable car applied for a licence to serve alcohol and host parties on board the cars, Caroline Pidgeon has called on the Mayor to instead make the cable car a successful form of transport for the public.
Caroline said:
“It seems that those running the cable car have the vision to run it like an expensive West End night club experience.
Caroline Pidgeon has formally delivered to the Mayor a petition calling for action on the dangerous traffic hotspot at Charlie Brown's roundabout in South Woodford.
The petition calls for safe crossings on the approach roads to the roundabout, for pedestrians and cyclists, with traffic signals if necessary.
The London Assembly Transport Committee has written to the Mayor asking him to prioritise the changes needed to make Oxford Street pedestrianised - including innovative changes to bus routes and service patterns.
The committee has met with representatives of local businesses, residents, road users, Transport for London (TfL) and Westminster City Council, and will go on to produce a full report on congestion issues in the capital later in the year.
The letter suggests:
Commenting on the introduction of a one hour "Hopper" bus ticket starting from Monday 12th September, Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member said:
"I have been campaigning for a One Hour Bus Ticket for the best part of a decade in London so very much welcome its final introduction from next week. Imitation sometimes is the greatest form of flattery.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on today’s announcement that the bus routes 507 and 521 will become the first in central London to exclusively run all-electric buses by the end of the year, said:
"I very much welcome the adoption of more electric buses in London.
“However, the Mayor and TfL should refrain from making boastful claims about the adoption of electric buses, especially as today’s announcement is merely confirming a decision made over a year ago.