London's Bakerloo Line expansion unveiled

With the capital's population expected to reach 10 million by 2030, TfL and the Mayor believes the extension will help support anticipated growth in south London by providing improved transport infrastructure and enabling regeneration in a number of the mayor's key opportunity areas.

Two routes for the project have been identified. One via the Old Kent Road to support major development plans for this area. The other route option being consulted on would go via Camberwell and Peckham. Beyond Lewisham, the line could then link onto the existing Network Rail line using the South Eastern rail line to Beckenham Junction and Hayes via Ladywell and Catford. Finally, there is also an option to extend the line further on to Bromley town centre.

TfL stated that the route options for the extension have been identified as they improve connections to areas less well served by public transport. The proposed extension would run through a tunnelled section from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham.

The cost of the extension is estimated at up to be GBP 3bn (USD 4.8bn). TfL would work with the Boroughs along the route of the extension to explore opportunities for generating funding for the extension from new development. The public consultation will run until 7 December 2014.

Johnson said: "An extension of the Bakerloo line is one of my top priorities and I have asked TfL to bring forward these plans at pace. It would provide a vital new transport link for the people of south London and help to spur jobs, new homes and regeneration in this part of the capital. It has huge potential to breathe a new lease of life into a swathe of London's opportunity areas, as well as freeing up capacity on national rail lines. As London's population continues to rise it is essential that we expand the transport network in this way if we are to meet Londoners' needs and ensure our city's continued competitiveness and success."

Michèle Dix, TfL's managing director of planning, added: "This is an opportunity for local residents to help shape an extension of the Bakerloo line which will deliver much needed transport infrastructure to south east London. We're looking at two possible routes for a tunnelled section, as well as a possible extension to Bromley town centre and want to hear people's views on these proposals."