Sadiq Khan is wastefully utilizing the triumph of the Elizabeth Line.
Are ya ready to talk about the big transport projects in London? Let's dive right into it, shall we?
The Elizabeth Line, everyone's new favorite, is a massive hit! The trains are smooth, the stations are top-notch, and the journey times are faster than a cheetah on steroids. But here's the kicker – the line has exceeded expectations, passenger satisfaction is off the charts, and TfL's bank account is fatter than a sumo wrestler after a feast. It's even boosted the UK economy by an impressive £42bn!
Now, you'd think with the success of the Elizabeth Line, they'd be rolling out more big rail projects, right? Well, think again, mate – London currently has other major transport projects stuck in traffic, so to speak.
The biggest one stuck in the slow lane is Crossrail 2, also known as the Chelsea-Hackney line. Proposed to connect New Southgate and Broxbourne in the north to Epsom, Chessington and Shepperton in the southwest, this puppy has been in development for years and was included in the latest version of London's statutory strategic development plan. There are also smaller projects on the horizon, like the Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham, the DLR extension to Thamesmead, and the West London Orbital rail scheme. Collectively, these projects are projected to add at least 215,000 jobs and over 260,000 new homes across London – enough to make any mayor's eyes light up!
But here’s the rub – there's no firm opening date set for any of these projects. And it's not just one or two projects lingering in the planning stages – all of 'em are stuck, and that's downright scandalous given the capital's struggles with housebuilding and economic growth.
Crossrail 2's origins go back to 1901, and the core route has been "safeguarded" since 1989. Construction was supposed to start by 2023 but didn't, and TfL's current estimates suggest the DLR extension could open by the early 2030s (if construction begins in 2028), with similar projected opening dates for the West London Orbital and Crossrail 2. The Bakerloo line extension, however, isn't expected to open until 2040 at the earliest. I'm telling ya, these timelines are so vague, they're downright mystifying.
Given the Elizabeth Line's late opening and heavy budget overruns, London businesses and the Treasury will be watching future projects closely. A recent analysis of data from the Office of Rail and Road showed that the Elizabeth Line had experienced more than 100 days of delays, service reductions, or closures in its first two years. Over one-fifth of Elizabeth Line trains were delayed in 2023-2024, and almost five percent were canceled. By summer 2024, it had the highest number of cancellations of any train line in the country, leaving folks wondering how the Elizabeth Line went from TfL's golden boy to its problem child.
Sadiq Khan's transport legacy might be looking threadbare if he can't get these projects moving. When the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022, it offered a political dividend in terms of public excitement and goodwill, but that dividend could easily be squandered if progress isn't made on these strategic projects. Time is running out for City Hall to seize a golden opportunity and get these projects rolling!
Until next time, my friend, make sure to keep your eyes on the transportation scene in London – it's a wild ride!
James
James Ford is a public affairs consultant and former advisor on transport policy to London Mayor Boris Johnson
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Overall:
Here's the status and timeline for major London transport projects based on available information:
Crossrail 2
Currently shelved due to pandemic-related financial constraints but remains a long-term proposal. If revived, Crossrail 2 could increase London's rail capacity by 10%, support 200,000 new homes, and generate 60,000 construction jobs with potential completion in the 2030s[1].
DLR Extension to Thamesmead
Transport for London (TfL) estimates a possible opening by the early 2030s if construction begins in 2028. This extension would link Thamesmead to central London via the Docklands[2].
West London Orbital Rail Scheme
No specific timeline available in current sources. The scheme (proposing Brentford to Hounslow and Hendon to Kew Bridge routes) remains in development stages as of 2025.
Bakerloo Line Extension
No updated timeline appears in recent results. The proposed Lewisham extension remains unfunded, with previous estimates suggesting possible post-2030 completion if approved.
Summary Table
| Project | Status | Projected Timeline ||---------|--------|--------------------|| Crossrail 2 | Shelved | 2030s (if revived)[1] || DLR Thamesmead | Planning | Early 2030s (if 2028 start)[2] || West London Orbital | Development | Unspecified || Bakerloo Extension | Unfunded | Post-2030 (speculative) |Note: Delivery timelines remain contingent on funding approvals and post-pandemic financial recovery of TfL[2][1]. The successful 2022 opening of the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail Phase 1) demonstrates London's capacity for large-scale projects, though current economic conditions prioritize essential maintenance over expansions[1][2].
- The success of the Elizabeth Line, a sleek and efficient addition to London's transportation, has boosted the UK economy by £42bn.
- Despite the Elizabeth Line's achievement, other major rail projects in London seem to be stalled, including Crossrail 2, the Chelsea-Hackney line.
- Crossrail 2, first proposed in 1901 and safeguarded since 1989, was expected to start construction by 2023, but delays have ensued.
- Sadiq Khan's transport legacy may be at stake if he can't move these projects forward, as delays and budget overruns on the Elizabeth Line have raised concerns in London's business and finance sectors.
- General-news outlets are closely watching London's major transport projects, such as Crossrail 2, the DLR extension to Thamesmead, the West London Orbital rail scheme, and the Bakerloo line extension, as their timelines could have significant impacts on political careers and the city's economic growth.
- In light of these challenges, London must provide reassurances to the transportation industry and the public that these essential projects will move forward, as an investment in transportation is an investment in the city's future.
