Sadiq Khan presents strategy for the future of London’s transport

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has set out his ]plans to improve transport in London over the next 25 years, presenting his Transport Strategy to the London Assembly for consideration before final publication in the coming weeks.

Khan’s Transport Strategy will act as the backbone of transport planning across London, helping to deliver his ambition for 80 per cent of trips in London to be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport by 2041.

It includes record investment in new and improved rail, tube and bus services, an unprecedented focus on walking and cycling, and a commitment to make the entire transport system zero-emission by 2050.

Last June, the mayor published a draft of his strategy for statutory consultation, and more than 6,500 responses have been received from members of the public and key stakeholders from across the UK.

As outlined in the Strategy, there will be new Tube trains and signalling giving more frequent and reliable services, the opening of the Elizabeth line, extensions to the Tube, DLR and Overground, new green buses and taxis, new river crossings, and the transformation of London’s streets to make walking, cycling and public transport the most appealing and practical choices for Londoners.

The strategy also reiterates how vital Crossrail 2 and a transformed suburban rail metro service are for the capital’s future economy, jobs and homes.

Following extensive feedback from the consultation, the strategy now also includes the potential for a West London Orbital rail line, connecting Hounslow with Cricklewood and Hendon via Old Oak, Neasden and Brent Cross.

This new line, delivered through TfL, the West London Alliance, boroughs and Network Rail, could potentially support the delivery of an additional 20,000 homes, as well as employment growth in west London.

The strategy also contains a specific proposal to work with the London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton to develop the proposed Sutton Tram extension.