Journeys Keep Getting Brighter in Transport for London Spot

Transport for London (TfL) with the help of agency of record VCCP London and Wavemaker UK, is today launching an awareness campaign for the ongoing huge range of improvements TfL is making across its network. 

The campaign aims to show Londoners how much TfL cares about its customers and what improvements are happening across their services whether it's the Tube, buses, London Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, trams, roads or Cycleways. This campaign supports the TfL Purpose: to move London forward safely, sustainably and inclusively

Some of the many improvements that TfL have made include improvements to their bus fleet which is now entirely low or zero-emission (at the tailpipe), an expanded Cycleway network, step free access at over 200 stations – including Tube, DLR and more, and major improvements coming on four Tube lines in the future -  the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Upgrades have already been made on the DLR network and from 2024; TfL will introduce new, more spacious, walk-through, air-conditioned trains. Since 2016, the city’s Cycleway network has more than trebled to over 340km, and there are plans with the London boroughs to expand it further. Travelling in a more efficient and safer way, TfL’s promise to continually improve and be sustainable has never looked better or brighter for Londoners.

The multi-channel campaign launches today and leads with a reportage style hero 40” film directed by Simon Ratigan, who returns to work for TfL. Leaning into the visual metaphor of light to highlight the ways that TfL is improving its network, the film explores the various improvements, big and small, to make journeys in London greener, safer and more accessible for all. The film features a combination of TfL staff and real Londoners who work on or use the network and tells the story of a better London that has been made brighter by the whole range of innovations that TfL has to offer. 

Signalling a new creative platform for TfL, this creative direction will be used for all future improvement stories. The fully integrated campaign will also be present across the full TfL media estate. TfL worked with Wavemaker for the effective media planning of the campaign, ensuring maximum impact is achieved to reach Londoners both off and on the transport network.

On the OOH and stills executions, photographer Ben Stockley, brought the ‘Brighter’ network to life. Featuring real Londoners and the network that they love and use every day, the best aspects of the infrastructure have been brought to life in a positive light, using a variety of photographic techniques. 

Beyond OOH, the campaign comes to life in a variety of channels, from high impact press placements such as a Metro cover wrap, to online video, radio, digital OOH and other integrated channels. 

Miranda Leedham, head of customer marketing and behaviour change at TfL said, “Keeping London moving is central to everything we do and we know customers want to know how we’re improving services and taking bold steps to be London’s strong, green heartbeat – getting people around the city quickly and sustainably. By working with VCCP we are shining a light on the great work across our services that’s helping our customers now and how we’re preparing for the future. 

The Purpose campaign is a great way to help more of those travelling in London choose public transport, and every penny we receive through fares is reinvested back into the transport network. 

Simon Learman, creative director at VCCP added, “We all want to live in a brighter, greener London. Given the future of our city is inextricably linked to the incredible services that TfL provides, this campaign literally shines a light on how those services are transforming. It will remind us how we all have cause for optimism with the massive investment in both current and future projects. These improvements will transform our city, how we travel and make all our journeys brighter.”

David Graham, strategy partner at Wavemaker noted, “TfL's services keep London moving, working, and ultimately making it a better place to live. We live in one of the most dynamic cities in the world that is constantly evolving and over the last 160 years London Underground and, more recently, TfL has supported London’s growth, providing it with one of the world’s largest and most heavily used public transport networks.  More recently, the launch of the Elizabeth Line, the expanded cycleway network and ongoing upgrade of the bus fleet to greener buses are wonderful examples of TfL continuing to keep London moving forward.  This campaign is a testament to the commitment and determination that goes into a world-class transport system, and we’re thrilled to have played a part in showcasing that ongoing work in such an authentic way.”

TfL worked with agency partner VCCP and their content production studio, Girl&Bear and digital Innovation company, Bernadette to bring the campaign to life. 

The campaign will run from today across TV, VOD, OLV, Digital and Print OOH including Bus Wraps and high impact formats and Press alongside CRM. The campaign will run alongside TfL’s owned social and digital channels.