Construction of a cross river light rail system through central London should be among the transport priorities for the capital’s Mayor, a passenger user group has said.

 

London TravelWatch this week set out 90 projects it would like to see taken forward, including major infrastructure schemes and small scale public transport enhancements.

 

It says that a light rail scheme from King’s Cross and Euston in the north towards Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Peckham in the south would help relieve congestion on one of the most densely trafficked corridors in London.

 

In 2008 a plan for a cross river tram was shelved by former Mayor Boris Johnson.

 

Other major schemes put forward include upgrading the Chilterns railway with a new line to Old Oak Common, electrifying the route and introducing a metro service. It is also suggested that new platforms be introduced at West Hampstead station for the Chiltern and Metropolitan lines, to improve connectivity in north London and surrounding counties.

 

To the south of London the passenger group would like to see the Tramlink extended from New Addington towards Orpington via Biggin Hill. And to the west it is suggested that a freight railway between Brentford and Southall is reopened for passengers.

 

Smaller scale interventions put forward include new entrances to several railway and underground stations, including one at Covent Garden near the Royal Opera House, another at Waterloo East from The Cut and Hatfields and a new way into Charing Cross from Embankment station. At Edgware Road near Paddington a new passageway linking the two separate underground stations is encouraged.

 

London TravelWatch says there is a strong case for a programme of infrastructure improvements to follow on from major projects in the capital such as Crossrail and the Thameslink upgrade.

 

The group’s chairman Stephen Locke says: “With the capital growing rapidly transport services have a vital role to play, enabling new housing to be built and helping to create new employment opportunities.

 

“At this stage these are ideas, not costed proposals. But we hope they will provide a thoughtful contribution to the fast moving and extremely important debate on how London’s future needs can be met.”

 

(Photo: Transport for London)