Sadiq Khan has confirmed that Transport for London is beginning the first phase of extending the DLR to a 'marooned' area in South East London. The TfL Chair and Mayor of London also confirmed that setting up a new bus transit scheme in Thamesmead will urgently progress.
The Government revealed in its Autumn Statement on November 22 that it plans to fund a 'rapid transit' bus network in Thamesmead with the nearest Elizabeth line station being Abbey Wood.. The news came as part of the Docklands 2.0 project was revealed in July by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, which could see tens of thousands of homes being added around the River Thames.
The scheme reportedly looks to improve transport links from east to west in the capital, while also developing areas such as Charlton Riverside and Thamesmead in Greenwich as well as Beckton and Silvertown in Newham.
READ MORE: 'I took a bus from London's quietest bus stop and was struck by how grateful residents are for it'
Now, when asked what the funding provided in November's Autumn Statement means for the future of transport in the area, Mr Khan confirmed that he was reassured by Government announcements and plans are therefore in motion. He said: "I welcome the funding announced in the Autumn Statement of £23 million to design and implement the proposed bus transit scheme in Thamesmead.
"TfL will now progress this as a matter of urgency to support the initial phase of development in Thamesmead. It would make a considerable improvement to residents by providing more direct and improved bus services in an area hugely in need of better public transport, including direct connections to Elizabeth line services. Despite no specific mention of the DLR extension, I am reassured that the Government remains supportive of our long-term ambitions to unlock thousands of much-needed new homes in the area.
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"Therefore, using funding from TfL, its development partners and boroughs, we will push ahead with further assessment of areas such as design, engineering, costs, funding and financing. As requested, TfL will present an interim outline business case to Government for the next spending review.
"While a key part of this work will be to identify options for maximising local and regional sources of funding, as well as driving cost and creating efficiencies, the scale of the project means that further Government support will be required. Investment in London’s transport has direct and substantial benefits for jobs and growth outside the capital – whether through direct manufacturing or supply chains."
Labour London Assembly Member, Len Duvall, wrote to the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, in November ahead of the Autumn Statement. He said 'further financial support' for the extension of the DLR to Thamesmead was needed, adding that residents have been 'left marooned'.
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