Politicians have called on the Government to provide funding for Transport for London (TfL) to unlock an extension on the Bakerloo Line.
The tube extension beyond Elephant and Castle is a key part of Southwark’s Old Kent Road regeneration plans to meet a target of building 20,000 new homes.
In a letter to Grant Shapps, the secretary of state for transport, the London Assembly transport committee demanded committed funding for TfL beyond 2020-21.
Without this money being pledged, TfL would be unable to guarantee investment in long-term infrastructure projects, warned the transport committee chair, Navin Shah AM.
“TfL should not have to beg for funding year on year. It is critical that London receives steady, and long-term investment, in order to ensure the success of this city,” he said.
He also warned that the Mayor would not be able to meet a commitment of 80 per cent of all journeys being made by public transport by 2041 without an estimated £3.3bn in investment every year.
Thousands of residents across Southwark and Lewisham have thrown their weight behind an extension to the Bakerloo which would see two tube stations on the Old Kent Road.
“The south-east of London has been woefully underserved by the underground network for too long,” said Cllr Peter John, the leader of Southwark Council.
His counterpart in Lewisham, Damien Egan, added: “The Bakerloo line extension would be revolutionary for Lewisham.
“But bringing the Bakerloo line to Lewisham and beyond to Hayes can only happen if the government gives TfL certainty around investment funding.”
The Government is due to provide a response to the assembly’s transport committee by Friday, March 20.
I guarantee even in the next 10 years they still haven’t agreed on funding This promise has been going on for years and years people need to service now not in 50 years time