Mayor answers to London

Barking to Gospel Oak Line

Question number	1541/2008
Meeting date	16/07/2008

Question by Richard Tracey

When does TfL plan to introduce electrification on the Barking to Gospel Oak Line?

Answer by Boris Johnson

TfL have been working with Network Rail to build a case for the electrification on the Barking to Gospel Oak line. However, the capital cost is very high, due principally to the numerous bridges and viaducts along the route. Network Rail and TfL have therefore to date been unable to justify the expenditure compared to other projects. The proposal is being kept under review and in the meantime, TfL is working to make the diesel passenger service as good as possible, including the delivery of new trains from 2009.