Thursday, 26 December 2024

TfL Releases Update on Potential Bakerloo Line Extension to Hayes (Bromley)

Map of the proposed Bakerloo line extension to Hayes (Bromley)
© TfL

I discovered on the Transport for London (TfL) website a Freedom of Information (FOI) request that caught my attention. It relates to the Bakerloo Line extension to Hayes (Bromley), a proposal from 2014.

Request ID: FOI-2774-2425
Date published: 24 December 2024

- When would the Hayes line extension part of the plan start the construction stage.
- What is the expected date of the last day of Southeastern Trains to service the line.
- How long would the Hayes line be out of service before the first tubes run. Please can this information be provided as both years, months and days as well as a deadline date for completion.

The start of construction works on the Bakerloo line extension is subject to the provision of planning and adequate funding being available, with construction timescales including any closure of the line also subject to further design development.

It is currently anticipated that work on an extension could begin in the early 2030s and, assuming the Hayes extension was built in parallel to the Lewisham extension. It is estimated that work affecting Southeastern trains would begin around five years into the wider Bakerloo line extension construction programme.

We publish information about the Bakerloo line extension, including the 2019 consultation which includes details about the further extension to Hayes and Beckenham Junction, available here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/bakerloo-line-extension. Information regarding the outcome of any future works will be published on our website.

- If the plan goes ahead what is the planned timetable for tubes to service Hayes. When would be the first and last service and what are the planned intervals to service Hayes.

The timetable for any future Bakerloo line extension would be confirmed once finalised. However, we anticipate that, once extended, there would be a service of 27 trains per hour on the core section of the line between Queens Park and Lewisham, with at least 18 trains per hour extended south of Lewisham onto the Hayes branch. Of these, at least 12 trains per hour would serve Hayes, with the remaining six trains per hour serving Beckenham Junction. This would provide a train at least every five minutes from Hayes and every ten minutes from Beckenham Junction.

The timing of the first and last trains on the line would depend upon the final design of the extension, including locations for stabling and depots, however we anticipate that these would be in line with the current Bakerloo line weekday timetable, whereby the first train starts service at 05.26 and the last train finishes service at 00.53.

- Will there be compensation for season ticket holders who depend on the current train service.

The timetable for any extension of the Bakerloo line, including the conversion of the Hayes branch to London Underground operation would be communicated long in advance of any works taking place. This means that the timing of any closure would be known prior to the purchase of any season ticket with validity that overlapped with that closure. As such, we do not envisage providing compensation to existing season ticket holders.

- Will an alternative service be provided if the planned works go ahead.

During any closure of the Hayes branch that may be required as a result of constructing the Bakerloo line extension, replacement services would be provided. The detail of these, including mode, frequency and duration would be confirmed closer to the time.

- Will there be compensation for home owners on the Hayes line corridor when properties devalue due to the removal of a train service to Lewisham (on to DLR), London Bridge (for the city) and Charing Cross (tourism and work)

We do not expect compensation to be provided where there is an alteration to a railway service pattern. It should be noted that any Bakerloo line extension on the Hayes branch would still provide direct train services to Lewisham and Charing Cross (as well as Waterloo). London Bridge would be accessible via an interchange at Lewisham, New Cross Gate, Elephant & Castle or Waterloo.

- Has there been consideration to purchase new tube rolling stock that can run on the current 3 line infrastructure rather than 4 which would mean the line wouldn’t have to close.

The rolling stock for the Bakerloo line extension is currently proposed to be the same as that being procured for the Piccadilly line, to allow for economies of scale and to provide commonality. The new Piccadilly line trains are currently being constructed by Siemens Mobility at a factory in Goole, North Yorkshire.

Additionally, the provision of a fourth rail line is not considered to be the driver for the length of the line suspension. This is likely to be related to the need to divert the existing lines into a newly constructed portal and undertake testing and commissioning.

More information about the Piccadilly line upgrade is published on our website, available here: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/piccadilly-line-upgrade


Just to clarify, I did not make the FOI request, as TfL publishes their responses on their website. A website called 'What Do They Know' publishes both the requests and the authorities' responses online, with the aim of making information available to all and removing the need for multiple people to make the same requests.

At present, the Piccadilly Line and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) are undergoing upgrades, including new rolling stock such as the 2024 Tube Stock (formerly known as the New Tube for London) and the B23 rolling stock for the DLR.

In conclusion, investing in the extension of the Bakerloo Line to Hayes is a vital step in improving public transport infrastructure, offering significant benefits for both businesses and residents in Bromley. For local businesses, the extension will provide easier access to central London, streamline the movement of goods, and reduce dependence on road transport. This will help ease traffic congestion, optimise supply chains, and improve operational efficiency. For residents, the enhanced transport links will mean faster, more reliable connections to key parts of London, making daily commuting simpler and providing better access to jobs, education, and services. With the current aging rolling stock, the planned investment in new trains will not only boost capacity but also provide a more reliable and comfortable service for everyone. Once complete, with at least 12 trains per hour serving Hayes, this project promises to enhance quality of life for Bromley’s residents and drive economic growth across the region. Prioritising investment in these essential transport improvements is crucial for supporting business success and the wellbeing of local communities.

It is also important for commuters, transport users, and businesses to support the development of new public transport infrastructure and services, as these changes will benefit everyone. A key advantage is improved accessibility, especially for disabled passengers and wheelchair users. Many current Tube and railway stations still lack step-free access, making it challenging for people with mobility issues to travel independently. By focusing on step-free access in future transport projects, a more inclusive system can be created, ensuring all passengers can travel with ease and dignity. These improvements not only help disabled users but also benefit the wider community, promoting social inclusion and ensuring everyone can take full advantage of available transport services. Better accessibility also leads to a more efficient and equitable network, which supports both business growth and the wellbeing of local communities.

I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.

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