Transport for London is putting together plans of extending the current Bakerloo line into southeast London. There could be a line extensions from Elephant & Castle through Southwark into Lewisham, Bromley and Hayes.
The extension plans are due to London’s growing population. Future growth in southeast London is forecasted in Lewisham, Catford, New Cross and the Old Kent road.
Public transport in these areas are problematic; particularly over crowding on buses, trains and road congestion. The predicted population growth will only make matters worse, therefore better connections are necessary for more efficient journeys across the city.
Whilst discussions are still in the early stages a final route has not yet been decided. Proposals for potential routes have been put together for consideration, with an estimated cost of 3 billion pounds and a predicated construction date of 2023.
Potential Benefits of the line extension:
- Will provide better connections between southeast London, Central London and Docklands
- Improve access to public transport and employment opportunities for local residents
- Improve journey times and capacity crowding on National Rail
- Reduce traffic congestion on the roads
Allen, an assistant at Peckham Rye station said: ‘I didn’t know the Bakerloo line was getting extended, where is it getting extended too? But I think it would be good, people will access central London a lot easier’.
Avril, a student said: ‘ I think it’s a great idea, because personally, the reason why I don’t go to Peckham or Camberwell as much as I’d like to is because of the fact that I have to catch the bus, its very annoying and is quite a long way from West London. The extension is a great idea’.
A community march called ‘The Tube,’ in support of the extension, will be taking place this Saturday 29th November at 11am, at Camberwell Green. Guests in attendance will be MP Harriet Harman and comedian Jenny Éclair. There will be face painting, music and free t-shirts to the first 50 people.
