A proposed Crossrail 2 project, linking southwest London to central and northeast London, should also extend into Hertfordshire, London Assembly members have said.

Members of the assembly's transport committee said the high-capacity train line could bring £49bn to the capital, while reducing overcrowding and improve reliability on the tube and mainline services.

The £12bn scheme has been put forward by Transport for London and Network Rail amid a public consultation on the proposed routes.

The second phase of the Crossrail project would see Wimbledon connected to Seven Sisters, in north-east London, via Tooting, Clapham Junction, and a number of central London stops.

From Wimbledon, the train would travel through an underground tunnel to Tooting Broadway, Clapham Junction, Chelsea, Victoria, Tottenham Court Road, Euston, Angel, Dalston Junction, Seven Sisters and Epping.

It could also extend to Hampton Court, Twickenham, Epsom and Chessington South.

Two alternatives have been identified: an underground ‘metro’ option from Wimbledon to Alexandra Palace and a ‘regional’ option that would link to more national rail stations and extend north into Hertfordshire.

Members of the committee decided a regional route would have more benefits for the capital, including its capacity to carry more passengers and alleviate overcrowding on existing services.

It has backed investment in the new rail line and has stated it is needed to cope with London’s rapid population growth, which is forecast to approach 10m by 2031.

Valerie Shawcross AM, chairwoman of the transport committee, said: "London needs a transport network that can cope with the millions of extra passengers that will travel on our tube and trains in future.

"The cost-effective investment needed to construct Crossrail 2 will herald sustainable rewards, potentially boosting London’s economy by up to £49bn, not to mention much-needed relief to passengers suffering on some of the UK’s most-crowded services.

"Crossrail 2’s construction should be the catalyst to realise London’s Olympics regeneration dream.

"Improving transport links to the Lea Valley alone could have the potential to boost London’ economy by £4bn, showing what a world of difference this could make to disadvantaged parts of London.

"We must all get behind Crossrail 2 to ensure London has the transport it needs for its future growth."

Levels of Tube congestion previously predicted for 2031 might be reached as early as 2020, putting significant pressure on the capital’s transport network.

Figures released by Department for Transport last week showed that 9 of the 10 most overcrowded routes originated or terminated in London.


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In June, Chancellor George Osborne announced that £2million would be spent on a feasibility study for Crossrail 2.

The London Assembly has also called on the Mayor of London to develop a fair funding package, which means those benefiting from the investment contribute to its construction - including those who will capitalise on rising land values.

The Crossrail 2 consultation ends this Friday and a report on the finding will be presented to the Mayor of London in autumn and made publicly available on the consultation website.

For more information and to take part in the consultation visit crossrail2.co.uk.