Crossrail 2 and Tube line in the long grass

Funding

Major rail schemes in the capital such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo Line extension are likely to be delayed for years because of a lack of funding, TfL has indicated.

TfL’s revised budget for 2020/21 states: “The major future transport schemes in the mayor’s transport strategy are still relevant and aligned to the DfT decarbonisation plan, but we need to be realistic in discussions with Government about what will be affordable over the next decade and we cannot currently afford to progress them all.” The revised budget discusses four major projects in this context.

On the £23bn Crossrail 2 project to connect heavy rail lines in southwest and northeast London, TfL says: “This scheme would deliver the single largest boost to rail capacity in London. The scheme’s affordability in the planned timescales has been further affected by current funding constraints and our immediate priority in discussions with Government is updating safeguarding.” 

On the £5bn Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham, TfL says: “This scheme would unlock one of the poorest connected areas in inner London by Tube. Significant funding support would be required to meet the capital costs of the scheme and our immediate priority is to safeguard the route.” 

The proposed £800m extension to the Docklands Light Railway across the Thames to Thamesmead would  unlock growth and improve cross-river connectivity in relatively deprived areas. “We are working with the developers on taking forward a feasibility study, including around funding options for the scheme.” 

Discussing the £500m West London Orbital rail scheme, TfL says: “We are working with the local boroughs on taking forward a feasibility study, including around funding options for the scheme.”