The Hammersmith and City Underground line could become the “Hammersmith to Barking” line as council bosses set out plans to re-write the track’s 24-year history.
Speaking at Thursday’s cabinet meeting, members announced intentions to lobby transport bosses as part of the council’s four-year strategy for Barking town centre.
Originally opened as the Metropolitan line in 1863, the track was given its current title in 1990, reflecting its 16-mile journey from Hammersmith through the City.
Barking station, which will boast new lifts by 2017, could also be moved into zone three, which would see the borough’s five stations stretched across three different zones.
It may be joined by the proposed Barking Riverside station, provided the Overground extension goes ahead, with members agreeing measures to lobby for it to go in zone three of four “to improve perception about [its] proximity and links to central London”.
Council bosses will also lobby for links with Crossrail, at Abbey Wood, and a direct rail link to Stratford.
A spokesman said: “We have previously made a case for re-looking at zoning across the borough but in this instance it will help to ensure that when people choose to live, work and play in Barking they do not get hit in the pocket.”
When we spoke to travellers outside the station last week, views were mixed.
Colin Braun, 72, from Barking said: “The name change won’t make any difference at all. They might as well change it to “apples”, it’s just something extra to spend money on.”
However others believe it could be good news for the borough.
“I like that name,” said Susan Watkins, 62, of Rainham Road South, Dagenham. “It sounds quite posh and seems nice.
“It’s a nice change. Barking is very popular – it’s a well known station.”
What do you think of the ideas? Would you like to see the track renamed the ‘Hammersmith to Barking’ line?
Would you like Barking to become a zone three station?
Email your views to mark.shales@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3824.
Read more:
Cabinet: Thousands of jobs coming to Dagenham’s Ford and Sanofi sites
Barking and Dagenham council calls for review of London fare zones
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here