Transport for London has not asked the Government for funding for the Bakerloo line extension, effectively postponing the huge project.  

TfL is proposing to extend the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle in Southwark to Lewisham via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. 

The plans have strong support from both councils. 

But the Bakerloo line extension was left out of a revised list of project priorities TfL is seeking funding for from the Government, because it is “being realistic about what is affordable over the next decade”.  

The document, Investment to get London and the UK moving again, was released as a supplementary document to a TfL board meeting on Wednesday (September 30) and instead prioritised projects such as extending the DLR to Thamesmead and upgrading Camden Town Station and the Northern line. 

“Very large projects from the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, particularly Crossrail 2 and Bakerloo Line Extension, are still relevant and aligned to the Department for Transport’s decarbonisation plan.  

“However, given current affordability constraints, our immediate priority for these is safeguarding, although they are still likely to be needed in the future to support longterm growth and modal shift in London,” according to the document.  

A TfL spokesperson told the local democracy service that the extension was “not on hold”.  

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on our network and finances.  

“We are seeking to work with the Government on a new longer-term sustainable funding model, which is needed for transport in London beyond the period covered by our Revised Budget.  

“We will be reviewing our investment programme as part of this work and it is crucial for London’s recovery that we can maintain our existing assets and continue to operate frequent, reliable services,” he said. 

The spokesperson added that, regarding the Bakerloo Line extension, TfL’s “immediate priority is safeguarding the route from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham” to “protect the route from future development”. 

Both Southwark and Lewisham councils are expected to release a statement in the coming days.