Transport for London (TfL) will submit its application for the DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead this year, following a consultation that drew more than 550 responses with strong public backing. The £1.7bn proposal, prioritised by the former Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last November's budget, is expected to unlock 30,000 new homes.
Consultation results and next steps
During a summer consultation, over 550 individuals and organisations shared their views on the scheme. The next step involves City Hall applying for a Transport and Works Act Order, which would approve the construction of two new stations and the route across the River Thames. TfL says it will complete this application within the year.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, welcomed the milestone: “It’s great that we have reached the next milestone of this vital project, following the Government’s backing of our plans in last year’s budget. This scheme has the potential to transform travel in a part of the capital that has historically lacked the public transport connections it needs. It will unlock thousands of new homes and jobs, and boost economic growth across the capital and beyond, as we work to build a greener, fairer and more prosperous London for all.”
Service frequency and fleet capacity
Once the extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead is completed in the early 2030s, trains will run along the corridor every eight to 10 minutes. Some survey respondents raised concerns about the potential impact on other DLR routes. TfL insists its new fleet of 54 DLR trains, currently being rolled out, will be able to cope with the increased demand.
Other respondents questioned why the extension was not planned to reach Abbey Wood. TfL said this would currently be unaffordable and that building a second DLR station in Thamesmead would have too much of an impact on the area.
Official response and next steps
Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in our latest consultation on plans to extend the DLR to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. The responses we received show continued strong support for the scheme and recognise the important role it could play in improving public transport connections, supporting new homes and jobs, and unlocking growth on both sides of the River Thames. We have carefully considered the feedback received and will use it to help develop the proposals further as we continue working towards submitting an application for permission to build and operate the scheme.”
The application for the Transport and Works Act Order will be submitted by TfL this year, with construction expected to begin after approval. The extension remains on track to open in the early 2030s, delivering new transport links and supporting housing growth in the area.
