The Bakerloo Line extension to Lewisham, though worthwhile, “is now completely out of reach” because TfL is suffering an unprecedented financial crisis.
Writing in the Financial Times, London Mayor Sadiq Khan says he is sounding the alarm because TfL’s temporary emergency funding deal comes to an end on December 11.
The government has so far failed to negotiate a long term settlement for London’s transport system which has seen its revenues collapse in the pandemic, he says..
“TfL has already made massive efficiency savings, cutting annual running costs by £1bn over the past five years.
“If the government continues to starve its funding, there will have to be significant service cuts. “
“At a time when ministers want workers to return to their offices, bus services will have to be reduced by 18 per cent and London Underground services will be cut by 9 per cent, with a fall in reliability due to ageing train fleets, some of which date back to the 1970s.
The mayor says these cuts will “force car owners back into their vehicles” increasing congestion, pollution and environmental damage..
“Crumbling transport infrastructure will mean more road and tunnel closures, leading to greater disruption and gridlock.”
He says TfL is not requesting new additions to the network such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo Line Extension which are now completely out of reach.
“The risk confronting us is much starker – that the millions of Londoners who rely on TfL will experience fewer, less frequent and more dilapidated services.”
“The city’s residents should not be penalised for the effect of the pandemic in reducing TfL revenues. This would also conflict with Downing Street’s objectives of levelling-up, tackling climate change and stimulating tourism and economic growth to aid the UK recovery.”
TfL asks consultants to carry out work on Bakerloo line tunnel designs
Transport for London (TfL) has asked consultants to help design a tunnel extension to the London Underground’s Bakerloo line.
The proposed extension would connect the Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via New Cross Gate. It would involve building two new stations on the Old Kent Road.
The project was mothballed by TfL earlier this year because of a shortage of funds, although it remained committed to delivering the extension when the time was right.
New Civil Engineer reports that TfL says it is now carrying out work on tunnel design and is working with London boroughs on funding for the ongoing development of the scheme
TfL said: “Earlier this year, directions were issued by the Transport Secretary to safeguard the route of the Bakerloo line extension from Lambeth North to Lewisham.
“These directions will prevent premature development on sites required for this vital project.
“Extending the Bakerloo line and upgrading the existing line would connect an historically under-served part of London to the Tube network, while unlocking thousands of new homes that London needs and supporting new jobs.”
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