The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called on the Government to provide long-term funding for a series of major transport projects, including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead, the Bakerloo Line extension, and the West London Orbital.
These projects are intended to improve connectivity, support housing delivery and create employment opportunities across the capital and beyond.
Speaking at the London Transport Museum’s annual fundraising dinner, the Mayor set out the case for investment ahead of the forthcoming Budget. He argued that the projects could play a central role in boosting local economies and improving access to new homes and workplaces.
Khan pointed to the Elizabeth line as an example of the wider economic benefits that can follow investment in transport infrastructure, citing its contribution to productivity, regeneration and regional growth.
The Mayor said that the UK has experienced a period of limited investment in recent years, leaving parts of its transport network under strain. He suggested that renewed Government support would provide an opportunity to modernise the system and to plan for long-term demand.
According to Khan, investment in London’s infrastructure should be seen as beneficial to the whole country, with supply chains and manufacturing linked to regions across the UK. He referenced industries such as train production in Derby and bus manufacturing in Falkirk as examples of how funding for London transport projects can sustain employment and skills nationwide.
He also stated that efforts to ‘level up’ regional economies should not come at the expense of the capital, but rather seek to ensure that economic growth in one area supports prosperity in others.
Ben Rudkin, Operations Director at Resonate Group commented:Long-term investment in London’s transport infrastructure is about improving journeys, as well as laying the groundwork for national growth. When the Government supports ambitious projects that enhance connectivity, it helps unlock new homes, stimulate local economies, and create jobs that benefit communities right across the UK.
Modernising and expanding our transport network strengthen the city’s capacity to meet future demand and ensures that economic opportunities are more evenly shared. Just as physical infrastructure forms the backbone of a thriving city, consistent investment and strategic planning provide the stability needed for businesses and communities to grow.
