London council committee lowers 2050 target for transit and active transportation [Video]

A divisive debate at city hall about long-term transportation targets in London’s upcoming Mobility Master Plan (MMP) ended in a compromise.

On Tuesday, council’s Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) considered a staff report about future mode-share targets, specifically what percentage of trips in London will be made by car, transit, and active transportation (cycling and walking) by the year 2050.

Coun. Steve Lehman put forward a motion to delay the decision until other staff reports related to residential intensification are completed.

He also wanted more public feedback about the mode share options.

“I’m not against providing alternative means with transit, cycling, or walking, but not at the expense of artificially constraining the choice of an automobile,” Lehman told colleagues.

“We need to plan for walking, biking, and busing as more common modes of transit,” responded Coun. Skylar Franke. “Referring this [report] and potentially missing out on federal funding, and …