Government funding to electrify the Barking to Gospel Oak train line could be made available in June, according to the London Assembly.
The assembly’s transport committee said it was disappointed funding was not confirmed as part of the Budget, but have since been told by chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, the proposal could be reconsidered in the next spending round.
Caroline Pidgeon AM, chair of the transport committee, said: “[We are] hopeful that the government will choose to sanction these line improvements as a priority when it reviews the plans in June.
“Electrification will deliver huge benefits to both the local area and London as a whole, including improvements to the rail network connectivity and a reduced environmental impact.
“Full funding must be confirmed this year or, due to the impact of Crossrail’s construction, costs will rise far beyond the current estimates.”
In March, Ms Pidgeon wrote to George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to urge him to fund the proposed electrification. Transport for London (TfL) has offered to contribute £25 million towards the estimated £90 million cost of the scheme.
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