History of public transport authorities in London

Prior to 1933, the ownership and management of the transport system in London was distributed among a large number of independent and separate organisations.

In the 1930s another ad hoc solution was sought to improve the control and coordination of public transport.

The extensive New Works Programme was halted by World War II, with some projects abandoned and others completed after the end of hostilities.

The period saw the start of direct recruitment from the Caribbean and the repair and replacement of stock and stations damaged during the war as well as completion of delayed projects such as the Central line eastern extension.

During this period many of Britain's unprofitable railways were closed down, as most routes in the capital were widely used the Beeching Axe had little effect.

During this period, the Victoria line was opened - although work had started in the early 1960s - and the AEC Merlin single-deck bus was introduced.

The period is perhaps the most controversial in London's transport history and there was a severe lack of funding from central government and staff shortages.

[7] The two central area zones were retained and the fares to all other stations were restructured to be graduated at three-mile intervals.

[6] In 1983, a third revision of fares was undertaken, and a new inter-modal Travelcard season ticket was launched covering five new numbered zones; representing an overall cut in prices of around 25%.

Further amendments to the fare system were made during this period, including inclusion of the separately managed British Rail services.

[6] The Docklands Light Railway was opened on 31 August 1987 and was included in the zonal Travelcard ticketing scheme.

The London Underground did not pass to TfL until after a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement for maintenance was completed in 2003.