Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on Transport for London’s confirmation that it will be taking further steps to extend the Bakerloo Line to Elephant and Castle and Lewisham via Old Kent Road, with detailed technical work starting in 2016, said:
“This is a great Christmas present for many parts of South East London. For far too long South East London had a poor deal in terms of its transport links so it is good news that new steps will be taken in the technical work required to deliver an extension to the Bakerloo Line.
“An extension to the Bakerloo Line would deliver direct and speedy transport to central London and at the same time bring immense regeneration opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people living in Southwark, Lewisham and other parts of South East London.
“However while welcoming this announcement I am concerned that the initial proposals merely have the ‘potential’ to extend beyond Lewisham. We need to be truly ambitious and ensure that the Bakerloo Line connects right through to Bromley. Firmer assurances are also need about a new Thameslink station at Camberwell.”