Brent Council seeks impetus for Bakerloo Line modernisation

Labour councillors in London are urging the government to approve the £10 billion modernisation of the Bakerloo Line and its extension south.

Renewed calls were made at the end of August by Brent Council, with council leader Muhammed Butt saying it is now ten years since a consultation about the possible new southern route from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via New Cross Gate (now estimated to cost around £10 billion), and another phase to Hayes (£2bn).

Transport for London has already warned that the Bakerloo will be unfit for use after 2029 if new rolling stock is not in service.

Brent Council is also concerned that there are now only two years left on the option for an add-on to Siemens’ order for new stock for the Piccadilly Line. This is because the current 52-year-old trains will soon be relying on salvaged parts from Piccadilly Line trains in order to keep them running.

In a letter to the government, co-signed by Brent East MP Dawn Butler and London Assembly member Krupesh Hirani, Butt said the new line is a “vital part of economic infrastructure, with one in six jobs in London within a 12-minute walk of a station”. He said it will also unlock 24,000 new homes.”

Transport for London is starting design work on making a further three Tube stations step-free.

Alperton, Arnos Grove and Eastcote will join North Acton and West Hampstead, which were announced earlier this year.

A further seven stations - Croxley, East Finchley, Neasden, Northwood, Turnham Green, Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway - will undergo assessment for step-free access feasibility. This will examine benefits, costs, funding opportunities and impact on customers.

More than a third of LU stations currently provide step-free access. TfL says further progress will depend on deliverability and the future funding position, with schemes prioritised where third-party funding is available.