The Mayor insists he will do all he can to push the government to commit to their plans.
Boris Johnson insists he will push the government to make a commitment on plans to implement a £12 billion Crossrail 2.
This beneficial north-south rail link would decrease commuting times going from Wimbledon to Tooting Broadway, Clapham Junction, Chelsea, Victoria, King’s Cross, Hackney and Tottenham.
Crossrail 2 would not be ready until 2033, but work could start as early as 2018 with government backing.
Mr Johnson said: “I think it would be a transformation for commuters in South West London, who will face massive overcrowding on trains to Waterloo without it.
“Crossrail 2 is vital and I have had conversations with [Crossrail chairman] Terry Morgan about whether there could be any synergy with this.”
However, the plans have received mixed views from commuters in South West London.
“Wimbledon station is already a rat-race as it is. This is just going to make it ten times worse,” said Jean Holdsworth, 54.
Some commuters do not want Crossrail 2 to cause a disruption to existing services and think government funds could be spent on other public services.
“The money could be better spent on crime and to help unemployment,” said Manjit Sandhu, 42.
Wandsworth and Merton’s London Assembly member, Richard Tracey, has also persuaded the Mayor to support a route for Crossrail 2 that would continue on to Kingston, Surbiton and Twickenham.
Mr Tracey said: “I have urged the mayor to do everything in his power to start building Crossrail 2 as soon as Crossrail finishes.
“Crossrail 2 would slash journey times, with Wimbledon to Tottenham Court Road reduced from 35 minutes to just 14.
However Mr Tracey thinks the 20 year waiting time is too long.
The first high-speed frequency Crossrail that is due to be open in 2018 will carry 1500 passengers per train and will run from Maidenhead in Berkshire to Shenfield in Essex via central London.
Photo courtesy of BackBoris2012, with thanks.
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