Almost all HomeViews reviewers mention proximity to transport. In London this becomes even more important to residents relying mostly on public transport to get around. London is looking towards a post-pandemic future and has ambitious plans for expanding its public transport network. For many areas across the capital, TfL expansion plans will spell big change and even bigger benefits. Discover how TfL projects could improve property prices, livelihoods and quality of living for Londoners.
Getting London moving
At the beginning of 2020, before the coronavirus brought London and much of the UK to a grinding halt, the UK Government committed £100 billion to national infrastructure. While the pandemic has taken its toll on public finances, it looks like this commitment will stand. Building new infrastructure is a tried-and-true method of helping an economy get back on its feet after a major disaster.
For London, this is a golden opportunity for TfL (Transport for London) to greenlight many of its more impressive ideas. From the Bakerloo Line expansion, to massive investment in cycleways and walkways, the city is set for a new era of public transport.
Encouraging cycling and walking
Currently, only 9% of Londoners live within 400 metres of ‘high-quality’ cycle network infrastructure. Right now, TfL is preparing a pipeline of cycling/walking support projects with a combined investment value of £3.4 billion. Their goal is to expand the city’s cycle network to reach 70% of Londoners, while also improving public walkways and bike hire schemes.
This is predicted to have a pronounced effect on many different aspects of life in London. Nearly half of car trips in London could be cycled in around 10 minutes, and more than a third could be walked in under 25 minutes. Better cycling/walking infrastructure will mean fewer cars; fewer cars will lead to less congestion, better air quality and better public health.
Underground and overground expansions
London’s rail network is essential for keeping the capital moving, even more so as lockdowns ease and commuting resumes. From the Bakerloo Line and Barking Riverside Overground extension, to more long-term rail upgrades as part of the Crossrail 2 Project, London’s train services will be comprehensively improved over the next 10 years.
5 London areas set to benefit from TfL expansion plans
Barking and Dagenham
The Barking Riverside line extension is due to start running services in Autumn 2022. Once opened, this 4.5km line extension will link to Barking town centre and its District and Hammersmith & City Tube services to London Fenchurch Street and Essex. This will be a major improvement in public transport access for the area, laying the groundwork for further TfL expansion plans around cycling and walking projects.
Enfield
Together with Kingston and Waltham Forest, Enfield has received £30 million from TfL as part of the ‘Mini-Hollands’ programme aiming to significantly encourage cycling and walking. Inspired by The Netherlands, there are 60 cycling/walkway projects due for completion in 2021 across the three boroughs. This will lead to quieter and safer streets, opportunities for new improvements to town centres, and better cycleway access.
Tower Hamlets and Southwark
Even though the Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf crossing project was paused in July 2020, current developments suggest it will be resumed in 2021. This will link the two boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets, opening up major London cycling routes for both communities.
Southwark is also seeing several pavement widening projects occur. This will allow the public to walk through town centres and other busy areas more easily.
Lewisham
Along with Southwark, Lewisham will benefit significantly from the Bakerloo Line extension. Again, financial difficulties have delayed the project’s development, but in December 2020 the land needed for the project was safeguarded. This means it is being prioritised by the government for construction to start in 2024, with the goal of opening in 2030.
The project involves building two new stations between Elephant & Castle and Lewisham. This will vastly improve underground access for the area, encouraging further investment and commercial opportunities while raising house prices.
Waltham Forest
Another ‘Mini Holland’ borough, Waltham Forest will see new cycle parking hubs constructed around tube stations and other key areas. Two cargo bike cycle hangars are also planned to help local businesses move freight and make deliveries more sustainably. Waltham Forest is also a major focus area of the Mayor’s ongoing Streetspace programme, which aims to open up even more cycle routes and better public walking access in crowded areas.
Multiple borough developments
Some of TfL’s upgrade plans affect multiple boroughs or the city as a whole. This month £1 million was allocated for creating 2000 new cycle parking spaces across 14 London boroughs. Looking ahead, a massive £1 billion has been earmarked for a bus electrification programme, eliminating 8% of London’s CO2 emissions.
A new decade of London transport improvements
While the pandemic has definitely slowed down the pace of TfL expansion plans, London is on the move once again. With dozens of cycling and walking projects soon to be completed, this is the opening phase of the capital’s green transport evolution. Following on, major investment in Underground and Overground rail services along with bus electrification and related projects will take effect.
2021 already looks set to be an exciting year for London’s public transport prospects. For the people who live there or plan to move to London, the benefits are significant. Shorter commutes, greater access to leisure pursuits and healthier lifestyles are just some of the things Londoners can look forward to in the coming years.
Not only will this improve the daily quality of life for London residents, it will also afford them greater financial opportunities as the desirability of areas rise, attracting more investment and raising property values.
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