Transport for London (TfL) has released its draft 2029/30 Business Plan, setting out a multi‑year investment programme aimed at modernising London’s transport network and accelerating delivery of major rail, tunnelling and infrastructure schemes across the capital. The plan builds on a decade of transformative projects — including the Elizabeth line, the Night Tube, the Superloop orbital bus network and a fourfold expansion of Cycleways — and positions these achievements as the foundation for the next phase of network renewal and expansion .

Driving a Greener, Higher‑Capacity and Better‑Connected London

TfL’s strategy emphasises sustained investment as essential to supporting London’s economic growth, unlocking new housing, and improving connectivity. The organisation highlights that long‑term funding certainty is critical to delivering major rail and tunnelling schemes that will shape London’s transport landscape for decades to come .

Key priorities include:

• DLR extension to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, a project expected to unlock major development zones on both sides of the Thames and requiring significant tunnelling and civil engineering works .
• Bakerloo Line Extension, with continued development work to safeguard the route and progress design options.
• West London Orbital Overground route, connecting Hendon and Hounslow via Old Oak Common — a corridor central to London’s long‑term regeneration plans.
• Potential transfer of Great Northern inner‑suburban services (Moorgate–Stevenage/Hertford North) into London Overground to simplify operations and improve reliability.

TfL also confirms support for the Oxford Street transformation programme, aimed at improving pedestrian capacity and public realm.

Accessibility and Station Modernisation

Step‑free access remains a core commitment. Northolt and Leyton will be the next Underground stations to become fully step‑free, joining ongoing works at Elephant & Castle. Subject to funding, TfL intends to continue the major redevelopment of South Kensington, one of the network’s most strategically important interchange stations .

The plan reiterates London’s long‑term ambition for 50% of Underground stations to be step‑free, a milestone requiring sustained investment in lifts, escalators and station modernisation.

Renewal of Critical Assets and Rolling Stock

TfL’s Business Plan outlines a substantial programme of renewals across tunnels, track, signalling, structures and rolling stock — essential to maintaining reliability and safety across the network.

Priority programmes include:

• Completion of new signalling on the District and Metropolitan lines, improving capacity and reducing journey times.
• New rolling stock for the Bakerloo line, Piccadilly line and DLR, replacing some of the oldest trains in the UK.
• Additional Elizabeth line trains to meet rising demand.
• Full refurbishment of the Central line fleet, including traction upgrades and accessibility improvements.
• Replacement of ageing London Trams vehicles, ensuring long‑term resilience of the Croydon network.

These upgrades form part of a wider pipeline of works grouped to support decarbonisation, housing delivery and economic growth across London .

Commissioner Andy Lord: Investment Is Essential to London’s Future

London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, emphasised that the new Business Plan represents a decisive step toward a safer, greener and more reliable network:

“Our new Business Plan is an ambitious programme for the future of London’s transport network. Sustained investment in vital infrastructure — stations, lifts, escalators, track, roads, bridges and tunnels — will improve the experience for millions of Londoners and visitors.

This investment will also support the wider London and UK economy, unlocking new homes and jobs through new trains, infrastructure and reduced journey times. Most importantly, this plan reflects what our customers and businesses tell us they need: services that are safe, accessible, frequent, reliable, green and as affordable as possible.” For further information visit the TFL website https://tfl.gov.uk/. 05/26.