This paper is based on research, conducted in the London Boroughs of Richmond and Bromley, to identify the most cost-effective way of providing accessible transport within a London Borough, and provides some background information about public transport in London, accessible transport in London, and major factors affecting the demand for accessible transport. The requirements for the provision of accessible transport in Richmond and Bromley are assessed. It would be too expensive to use present methods to meet these needs; thus a better way is needed. The situation has been made more difficult by the recent trend to increasing fragmentation of purchasing and travel patterns. The research in both boroughs has shown the need for operational coordination between various purchasing agencies, and for a focus on the coordination of demand. This requires a central point for pooling demand, a `demand centre', in each borough, which would have great potential and provide many benefits. It would need to be complemented by making one agency responsible for securing and subsidising accessible Dial-a-Ride door-to-door transport for disabled people and it would seem logical for London Transport to be this agency.
Samenvatting