Bakerloo line extension inches nearer including plans for ‘Bakerloo Bus’ that will run along Old Kent Road

The long-awaited Bakerloo line extension into Lewisham has made another step forward after plans have been backed by all London boroughs, including a new Bakerloo Bus.

The case for extending the Bakerloo line along Old Kent Road to Lewisham and Hayes has already been backed by Southwark and Lewisham councils, developers, businesses, TfL, and a majority of local residents.

Now the Southwark council scheme has gained support from all boroughs across London.

Set to introduce 110,000 new homes, 3,300 of which are supposed to be affordable, and a council estimation that it will create 130,000 jobs across the capital, preparations for the extension have already begun.

Southwark, Lewisham and TfL will seek government approval for the scheme through the Transport and Works Act in 2025.

Whilst works continue on the Bakerloo extension, new transport services are being considered to meet the increased demand from new homes being delivered in phase one of the scheme.

Southwark council are collecting £2,500 per home along Old Kent Road to fund improved public transport services in the area.

More than £1.25million has been raised for a new fleet of at least 10 shuttle buses, the Bakerloo Bus, which would be accompanied by changes to make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians along Old Kent Road. 

The Bakerloo Buses will be electric and branded in the Bakerloo line underground colours.

This would initially be funded for 5 years from developer contributions after which it would become a TfL funded service.

Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said: “The message from London is clear: the capital’s prosperity hinges on the Bakerloo line extension, alongside other key developments.

“It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The weight of all London councils adds to the mounting business case for a scheme set to kick-start our city’s growth sustainably. 

“Despite brutal economic head winds, it’s full steam ahead for Old Kent Road. It’s a neighbourhood helping tip the scales of London’s extreme housing crisis.

“More than 30 per cent of homes built are new social rent homes meaning families in desperate need of secure and suitable housing can plant proper roots in the area, benefitting from the investment in public services and community projects that new developments bring. 

“The Bakerloo line extension will supercharge this sustainable growth, with thousands of new homes people can actually afford.”

For more information, visit www.oldkentroad.org.uk

Pictured top: Bakerloo Line train carriage (Picture: Peter Skuce/Wikimedia Commons)