What Has Sadiq Khan Done For London

So, picture this: it’s a rainy Tuesday evening, and I’m stuck on the Northern Line. The train stops dead between stations—no warning, no apology, just the muffled groan of commuters. A woman next to me mutters, “Bloody TfL, am I right?” And I think: wait, who’s actually running this show again? That’s when the question hit me—what has Sadiq Khan actually done for London since he became mayor back in 2016? Let’s dig in, but bring snacks. This might take a while.

The Hopper Fare: A Small Miracle You Might Not Notice

One of Khan’s first big moves? The Hopper Fare—a bus ticket that lets you hop on another bus within an hour for free. Sounds boring, right? But if you’ve ever had to run errands across three boroughs, you know this is revolutionary. Suddenly, dropping off dry cleaning, grabbing coffee, and picking up a friend’s keys doesn’t cost you a fiver in bus fares. It’s like the mayor actually remembered we’re not all rich.

Before this, Londoners were paying twice—sometimes thrice—for short, awkward trips. Now? You just tap, hop, and get on with your day. Side note: if you haven’t used the Hopper yet, you’re missing out on free money. Seriously, go touch grass, then take a bus.

Ulez: The Tax That Makes You Gasp (Literally)

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Khan expanded it to cover all of London in 2023, and boy did people lose their minds. “It’s a money grab!” they cried. “It punishes the poor!” others shouted. And yeah, if you drive a 2005 diesel hatchback, you’re now paying £12.50 a day. Ouch.

But here’s the thing: London’s air was killing people. Like, literally—respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks, kids missing school. Since ULEZ started, nitrogen dioxide levels dropped by nearly half in central London. Half! Is it annoying? Yes. Is it equitable? Debatable. But your lungs are quietly thanking Sadiq for that cleaner air. (You’re welcome, lungs. I know you’re busy filtering, but take a moment to appreciate.)

Housing: The Thing He Can’t Quite Fix (But Tried)

Now, the housing crisis. Khan promised to build 35,000 affordable homes a year, but reality is a cruel mistress. He’s fallen short—like, really short—with only about 10,000 actually delivered annually. Oof. But give him credit: he did freeze rents on council homes in 2020, saving tenants hundreds of pounds. And his “First Dibs” scheme gave Londoners priority over overseas buyers for new developments. That’s modest, but it’s a start.

Still, if you’re renting a shoebox in Zone 2 for £1,800 a month, you’re probably not throwing him a parade. Side comment: I’m not saying he’s the landlord whisperer, but at least he’s shouting at them a little.

The Night Tube: Saving Drunk People (and Shift Workers) Since 2016

Remember when the Tube shut down at midnight? Khan brought back the Night Tube on key lines—Victoria, Central, Jubilee, and more. It’s not just for clubbers stumbling home at 4 a.m.; it’s for nurses, cleaners, and bartenders who keep the city running. Turns out, when you run trains all night, everyone wins. Even the pigeons get a later curfew.

There was a bit of drama with unions over pay, but hey—progress isn’t pretty. Now, you can roam London after dark without panic-watching the last train countdown. Luxurious.

Policing: A Mixed Bag with More Police on the Street

Khan promised 2,000 extra police officers. He delivered over 2,600 in the Metropolitan Police by 2023. That’s good! But violent crime? Still too high. Knife crime, especially among young people, remains a nightmare. The mayor launched the “London Victims’ Commissioner” and funded youth centers, but no one’s pretending it’s solved. It’s like trying to empty a bathtub with a teaspoon while the faucet’s still running.

But here’s a quiet win: his Violence Reduction Unit (the first in the UK) focuses on early intervention—mentors, mental health support, sports programs. It’s not flashy, but it might stop a kid from carrying a knife in five years. We’ll check back later, okay?

The Low Traffic Neighborhoods: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

LTNs—those plastic planters you see on residential streets—are Khan’s brainchild. They block rat-running cars to make neighborhoods safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Drivers despise them. Cyclists? They’re practically crying tears of joy. The data shows collisions dropped by 50% in LTN areas, but it also pushed traffic onto main roads. There’s no perfect solution, just trade-offs. But I’ll say this: if you’ve ever seen a child cycle to school without panicking, you get it.

Personally, I’ve nearly been flattened by a delivery van on an LTN-adjacent road, so I’m still on the fence. But I’m glad they’re testing ideas, even if my bike bell is ringing nonstop with rage.

The Mayor Who Talks a Lot (But Also Shows Up)

Sadiq Khan is everywhere. He’s at climate protests, Pride parades, Diwali lights, and Friday prayers. Critics call it self-promotion, but I see a mayor who engages. He’s the guy who answers letters (yes, really) and holds “People’s Question Time” events where you can yell at him. That’s rare in politics. And he’s scrappy—remember when he sued the Trump administration over a slogan not being allowed on buses? The man has theatrical energy.

But let’s be honest: London is a beast. It’s noisy, expensive, crowded, and full of people who love it and hate it equally. No mayor can fix everything. Khan has made the city greener, cleaner, and slightly more affordable, but he’s also triggered rows over clean air and traffic. What has he done for London? He’s tried—often messily, loudly, but with intention. And sometimes, that’s the best we can ask for. Now excuse me, I have a bus to catch.