Conclusions

In conclusion this chapter suggests that we should approach transport history and transport planning from a new, less rational but more political, individual and realistic perspective. The history of London’s transport shows that unification in the form that it eventually emerged in was not inevitable. In fact, its final structure was in many ways a last-minute development. Nevertheless, before that form could take shape a very long and graduated, but very important, process of legitimisation had to occur first. Thus, London Transport was never entirely a monopoly, not did it only concern London. It could have been created earlier, but its final shape was superior to what had been previously proposed. Hence, the path to amalgamation was long, but worthwhile. Looking forward, today’s Transport for London—after a long period of unchallenged hegemony—is embroiled in another battle over legitimacy. To win, its needs to remember that rational planning and the greater good are not the only arguments it needs to make.