An independent report has shown that investment by Transport for London (TfL) through its UK-wide supply chain has resulted in wider growth in the UK transport industry.
The report produced by Hatch, a global engineering, project management, and professional services firm, looked into how TfL investment into London’s public transport network affected the wider UK transport industry.
Across the past two years (22/23 and 23/24), TfL spent over £12bn with more than 3,000 UK suppliers.
This expenditure is estimated to have supported 100,000 jobs per year and has helped generate over £11bn in Gross Value Added to the UK economy over the period.
Around two thirds of TfL suppliers were based outside London, whilst nearly a third of TfL’s overall spend and resulting economic benefit was felt outside of London.
It has also helped drive activity in new and emerging sectors, with 30% of TfL suppliers operating in low carbon industries and 10% of TfL’s supply chain in data businesses.
Overall, its estimated that 62% of TfL’s suppliers were small to medium enterprises.
London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: “London has long been the national engine of growth and this latest report showcases just how powerful and economically important TfL’s supply chain is, and that investing in London’s transport network supports growth and opportunities right across the UK.
“We are very grateful for the financial investment we have received from the Mayor and Government towards our ambitious capital programme.
“With long-term certainty, we can drive investment more efficiently and dynamically, allowing us to take advantage of opportunities.
“It would allow us to put in place transport services such as new trains, better signalling and network extensions that are crucial to unlocking developments across London and support the government’s economic and social goals across the UK.
“Positive discussions continue to take place between TfL, the Mayor and Government on securing this but the sooner there is certainty, the quicker we can seize the opportunities for growth and support the wider UK economy.”
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
