With Crossrail already set to provide a 10 per cent increase to rail capacity in London, Crossrail 2 would add to this even further, TfL said. TfL added that capacity on the transport network is needed to cope with London’s forecasted population growth.
Michele Dix, TfL’s managing director of planning, said: "We have had a good response rate to the Crossrail 2 consultation already but we do want to encourage anyone who has not yet shared their views to do so by 2 August.
"Crossrail 2 is vital to support London’s forecasted population growth to 10 million by the early 2030s.
"The support we have received from Government for Crossrail 2 is really good news and allows us to further the business case and examine the funding and financing opportunities to take Crossrail 2 forward."
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, added: "London’s railways are already the busiest and most congested in the country, with many main lines already operating at, or close to, capacity.
"With the number of rail passengers in London predicted to grow by 30 per cent in the next twenty years, our plans to increase capacity through projects like Thameslink and Crossrail will make a real difference.
"But we must also press on with schemes such as Crossrail 2 to make sure public transport continues to support and drive economic growth in and around the capital."
TfL added that Crossrail 2 could be operational in 2030 but it is essential that work continues now to meet this target so the future forecasted population and employment growth in London is supported by new transport infrastructure.
