Issue - meetings

Report ES14048

Following recent discussions and work with Transport for London,  an update was provided on the latest position regarding potential public transport extensions to Bromley.

TfL had undertaken feasibility work over the previous 12-18 months to develop a business case for an extension of the DLR from Lewisham to Bromley. Simultaneously, TfL had also undertaken feasibility work for extending the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle and the Overground from New Cross to Bromley North. Tramlink proposals had been previously developed and more recently, the Tramlink development team had been working to refine route options and alignments.

Potential benefits were highlighted from investment in the rail options outlined in the report along with the latest update on each of the potential options.

For a DLR extension to Bromley, the report advised that the overall Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) represented insufficient value for money, as defined by TfL’s business case methodology and the DfT’s transport scheme appraisal guidance. This took account of the total cost of an extension, the direct transport benefits that would be realised, and the development and growth potential. On 20th March 2014, the Mayor of London instructed TfL to cease further work on the DLR business case.

The Council had subsequently asked TfL to undertake further work on a London Overground extension from New Cross to Bromley North, using the existing rail corridor, to provide improved rail connectivity between Bromley and Canary Wharf.

In discussion a number of comments were made. In response to a suggestion that existing capacity and service frequencies be increased (e.g. platforms lengthened) instead of a new extension, particularly for the Orpington/Lewisham route, it was indicated that the Council had made representations to TfL on route structure. The Council had also lobbied for increased capacity as existing rail routes to central London – including Orpington to Lewisham – were already operating at maximum capacity during peak periods. As such, there were feasibility studies on extending the London Overground between existing national rail services.

Referring to a Bakerloo line extension to Hayes, Councillor Phillips suggested that TfL ask more questions on the advantages of the existing line e.g. any cost advantage to passengers of travelling solely by national rail to Central London. 

There continued to be a significant amount of work in developing proposals. TfL had drafted further staff to address some of the Council’s concerns. It was necessary to know the proportion of Hayes line passengers who would be adversely affected by a Bakerloo line extension. Current data was not comprehensive.

TfL had recently written confirming that work on proposals for a DLR extension to Bromley would cease. The Portfolio Holder reminded Members that this was contrary to the Mayor of London’s election pledge and the Council would write in the strongest terms that this would not be accepted as the final position. The Portfolio Holder referred to the additional cost of a Bakerloo line extension which was not wanted by local residents. Solid financial evidence was needed of why a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6