London First

Over 70% of all UK rail journeys start or finish in the capital.  Rail travel in London and the south east has grown by 60% since 1994/95, while capacity has increased by about 25%. Transport for London (TfL) forecasts 650,000 more rail trips per day into and around London by 2025.

Key rail projects for the capital

Crossrail
The most important rail project on the blocks will deliver 40% of the extra capacity London needs

Thameslink
We have consistently supported the Thameslink upgrade scheme and are pleased the Government has now given it the green light. The project could deliver real capacity increases by 2012, en route to a doubling of passenger capacity for journeys to and from Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge, by 2015.

East London Line
Responsibility for the East London Line extension has been transferred to TfL. From November 2007, ‘London Overground’ train services will operate on the North London Railway under TfL's management.

London First sits on the East London Line Group - a consortium of local authorities, business and regeneration agencies seeking the earliest go-ahead for the project’s second phase, which will extend the line to Clapham. We are pleased to note that the first phase - from Croydon to Highbury & Islington - is now included in TfL’s 5 year programme.

In addition to increased train capacity, we lobby for improvements to the capacity and environment of London’s major termini, particularly Waterloo following withdrawal of Eurostar. We also support Airtrack, Stansted Express and Gatwick Express, and welcomed the government’s recent decision to reprieve the dedicated train service to Gatwick airport.

Useful links
Mayor's rail powers - response to DfT consultation, May 2006

For more information contact Tim Hockney