TRANSPORT for London (TfL) has published its draft business plan, setting out its investment priorities for the period to 2029-30 and the projects that it hopes will receive government funding. The plan is due to be considered by the TfL board on February 4.

Major projects include an extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) automated light metro from Beckton to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, which received government backing in the national budget last autumn. TfL will continue to make the case for extending London Underground’s (LU) Bakerloo Line from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate.

On the national network, the government will also be asked to approve the transfer of Great Northern commuter services from Moorgate to Stevenage and Hertford North, currently operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). They would become part of TfL’s London Overground network, which would also grow through a new West London Orbital service from Hounslow to Hendon via Old Oak Common, operating mainly on freight lines and calling at 12 stations, including four new stations.

During the life of the business plan, 158 new trains will be introduced across the TfL network, comprising 10 Alstom EMUs for the Elizabeth Line, 54 CAF trains for DLR, and 94 Siemens Mobility metro trains for the LU Piccadilly Line. TfL says it is working to introduce the first new Piccadilly Line train within the next 12 months.

TfL will make the case for replacing the Bakerloo Line fleet dating from 1972, which it says is the oldest fleet in regular passenger service in Britain. All 85 Central Line trains will be refurbished, receiving new traction motors and improved interiors.

The business plan also makes provision for investing in 24 new LRVs to replace the Bombardier fleet in service since 2000 on the light rail network centred on Croydon in south London, and potentially also replace the 12 Stadler LRVs supplied more recently.

Subject to final funding, TfL will also undertake a major upgrade of South Kensington station, having secured all necessary planning approval.

TfL says it will be exploring how fare innovation and loyalty and reward schemes could deliver greater value for passengers, while increasing ridership and revenue that can be reinvested back into improving public transport. 

“This new plan sets out sustained investment in London’s vital transport infrastructure, which will improve the experience for millions of Londoners and visitors,” says London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord.

“It will see us increase investment in the vital renewal of our critical assets.”

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