Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
TfL have been told that transport across London should be free to reduce inequality and help reduce the amount of polluting cars on the road.
The Tube network has already been classed as the most expensive within any major city globally, and fares are still set to climb above the inflation rate until 2030.
This is looking extremely unlikely however, as the network is mostly funded from passenger fares, while other country’s city transport network can get money from the government. TfL received £5.24billion throughout 2023-24 just from passenger journeys alone.
Earlier in August, the House of Commons Transport Committee proposed a notion that everyone aged under 22 in England should be given a free bus pass to get into work and education – Fare Free London are looking to extend this proposal to all age groups across all modes of public transport.
Simon Pirani, on the board of Fare Free London, says: “"In London, the high level of fares is hitting people across all age groups in terms of being able to travel to find work, travelling to and from work and in terms of social isolation. We need a complete rethink about how the transport system is paid for”.
Crazy News
A decommissioned fire engine from Dorset has been converted into a burger van that will serve customers within Bexleyheath.
Niall Seymour, who grew up near Bexleyheath, purchased the vehicle through Facebook Marketplace in a bid to stand out in the busy street food market.
Speaking of the turn of events, Seymour says: “Me and my mate went up there, had a look, and pretty much bought it there and then. All the kids love it, and every bloke loves it because most blokes are just big kids at the end of the day”.
The inspiration came from attending festivals and car shows: “Two places could sell the exact same thing but if one looks better than the other you go to that one”.
You can be served from the Fire Truck Food at the majority of Saturday events that happen at Bexleyheath Broadway – and even order the Fire Burger if you like a kick to your food.
Happy News
The return of Blackheath’s firework display is looking promising – the last time there was a display on site was before the pandemic due to financial constraints.
An application has been sent by Slammin’ Events to host 29,999 people at the event, which is set to take place on Saturday 1st November from 4pm until 10:30pm.
It is set to be an all ticket event, however details for pricing are set to be released.
Cabinet member for Culture, Communities and Sports at Lewisham Council, Sakina Sheikh, says: “Our residents can enjoy fireworks here at home in the borough and invite visitors to join. We're excited to partner with a leading events company to make this happen and are committed to making this return as accessible and affordable as we can”.
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