Letter to the editor: With regards to the spat between Lewisham and Bromley councillors regarding the proposed Bakerloo line extension, I suggest Bromley councillors have done their homework, while Lewisham ones have not.
Transport for London conducted a flawed and biased consultation that made no mention of the downsides of the scheme.
There would be no more direct trains to London Bridge and Cannon Street. All passengers would face longer journey times due to extra intermediate stops.
Mainline trains (that would all be 12-car by then) would be replaced by cramped Tube stock with less than 25 per cent of the number of seats per train.
Having done some calculations, it is unlikely that the Bakerloo line would even be able to provide sufficient capacity for all existing Hayes line users in addition to extra passengers from Lewisham and the new stops, plus existing passengers.
In contrast, the only real benefit to Hayes line users would be a more frequent service.
This plan would also jeopardise proposals for a new Crossrail route for east London.
I therefore support extending the Bakerloo line to Lewisham, and possibly a short way beyond in tunnel, but not downgrading existing services on other routes.
ROBERT MUNSTER, Brockley
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel