Londoners overwhelmingly support plans to upgrade and extend the Bakerloo line, according to a survey.
New polling by London councils reveals that nine in ten businesses (89%) support the proposals which aim to extend the lifespan of the 119-year-old Underground line.
Three quarters of businesses (74%) believe the upgrade would have a positive impact on their operations, while 70% think the extension would benefit them.
Support among residents is similarly strong, with new polling showing that 76% back the plans, which could see Bakerloo line trains running as frequently as every two minutes.
Under proposals set out by Transport for London, 27 Bakerloo line trains would run per hour — seven more than the current 20 — while the line’s 53-year-old fleet would be replaced with modern trains, significantly improving service quality.
The proposed extension to Lewisham and beyond would unlock thousands of new jobs and homes along the route, with additional stations planned at Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate.
Professor Frances Corner OBE of Goldsmiths University said the proposed extension of the Bakerloo line through Lewisham represented a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create jobs, growth and educational opportunities in the borough.
“As the third-largest employer in Lewisham, we know first-hand the difference better transport links will make for our students, our staff and the many local businesses we work with,” he said.
"Many of our students commute to our New Cross campus from across London. For those on lower incomes, faster, more affordable public transport is vital to accessing higher education and building a better future.
“The extension will also support our strong commitment to sustainability by helping more people make greener travel choices."
Over half of businesses across London say the upgrade would bring them more customers (52%) and would improve their chances of expanding in the future (56%).
The new research was commissioned by four London councils: Southwark, Lewisham, Brent, and Westminster.
Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of Harrow Council said: “Like many of our businesses and residents, I regularly use the Bakerloo Line and support its upgrade and extension. It’s used by thousands of our residents who start at Harrow and Wealdstone and Kenton stations or use it in Central London.
“The upgrade would mean more journeys, more capacity and more frequent and better trains.”
Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres said: “For too long, parts of Lewisham have been cut off from the Tube network — but the Bakerloo Line Extension changes that. This project has huge support from our community because it means better access to jobs, easier commutes, and real opportunities for local residents and businesses.
“It’s time to bring the Underground to Lewisham, Catford and beyond to supercharge connections across South East London, and deliver benefits that will ripple across London and the UK.”
The first phase of the proposed extension, which TfL is currently conducting feasibility studies for, would see new Tube stations at the Old Kent Road and Burgess Park in Southwark.
The line would then continue South East to New Cross Gate and Lewisham.
The second phase would take the Bakerloo line beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction. The existing National Rail line would be incorporated into the London Underground network and Ladywell, Catford Bridge and Lower Sydenham stations would be converted into Tube stations.
James Glancey, CEO of James Glancey Design in Southwark said: “We are hugely in favour of the Bakerloo line Extension. We have a team of 60 fulltime and a station close to Ilderton Road will connect us with other parts of London and make it easier for the team to get in and out of work.
“The other major advantage is client engagement. With over 50% of our workflow in central London, visiting our studios will be greatly improved. We need to be able to get clients to come to us during the year as we are constantly showing prototypes and collaboratively developing designs, key to making our working relationships successful.
“On another level, the project will also improve the high street around the new station closest to us. This will improve the shopping offer and choices of places to get food at lunch time. It will be a game changer as we are so limited now.
“It will further improve the choice of leisure amenities. We have seen a Padel Box open across the road from us and next to it a neighbourhood sauna complex. It’s a chicken and egg situation. The transport will open more possibilities and then more will follow.
“I can’t tell you how much it will improve the neighbourhood and make this part of London function in a vastly improved way.”
The planned upgrade would support 150,000 jobs across the country, including in Goole, East Yorkshire, where the new trains would be built. Around 107,000 new homes are predicted to be built around the new Tube stations in London, if the project goes ahead. The scheme is expected to add £1.5 billion to the UK economy every year.
