London on the Move: TfL’s Bold Vision for a Greener, Better-Connected Capital

As London continues to grow, so does the need for a smarter, more sustainable transport system. Transport for London (TfL) is taking a series of ambitious steps with proposals and infrastructure projects that aim to reshape how the capital moves, making it cleaner, better connected, and future-ready. From major rail extensions to revamped road charging schemes, here’s what TfL has in store for 2025 and beyond.

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Big Moves on the Rails

TfL is laying the groundwork for a transformative expansion of London’s rail network. One of the most anticipated projects is the West London Orbital, a new Overground line that would breathe life into underused freight tracks. This line would link Hounslow in the south to Hendon and West Hampstead in the north, dramatically improving connectivity in outer London. Beyond easing congestion, the project is expected to support new housing developments and stimulate job growth across the corridor. With an estimated cost of £1 billion, it’s currently in the planning and design phase, backed by a coalition of local boroughs and Network Rail.

Meanwhile, the long-discussed Bakerloo Line Extension (underground) is gaining momentum. This project would extend the line from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham, with the potential to reach Hayes in the future. It’s a critical piece of South London’s regeneration puzzle, particularly along the Old Kent Road, where new housing and commercial developments are poised to flourish. The extension carries a price tag of around £2.2 billion and is a central feature of the London Growth Plan.

In East London, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR – overground) is also set to grow. A proposed extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead would unlock thousands of new homes and improve access to a historically underserved area. With an estimated cost of £1.5 billion, this project is designed to boost local economic development and provide much-needed transport links for southeast London.

Rethinking the Roads

TfL isn’t just focused on rail. It’s also reimagining how Londoners use the roads, starting with a major overhaul of the Congestion Charge. Under new proposals, the daily charge is set to rise from £15 to £18 in 2026. A new Cleaner Vehicle Discount will be introduced to replace the current scheme, which ends in 2025. This new discount will be more targeted, rewarding electric and low-emission vehicles. From 2027, only electric vehicles will qualify for the Residents’ Discount, and TfL is considering annual increases to the charge to keep pace with inflation and policy goals.

In parallel, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) are under review. These zones have already significantly impacted air quality, but TfL is exploring how to adapt them to meet future environmental targets and ensure they remain effective in reducing emissions and encouraging cleaner transport choices.

A Greener, Smarter Future

All of these initiatives are part of TfL’s broader mission to make London a net-zero carbon city by 2030. The vision is clear: a city where public transport is the first choice, walking and cycling are safe and accessible, and clean air is a reality for all. As these projects take shape, they promise to transform how Londoners live, work, and travel—building a capital that’s not just moving, but moving forward.

Glossary

Congestion Charge... a fee given to vehicle drivers entering a designated area of a city, often during peak traffic hours, to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Emission... an amount of a substance that is produced and sent out into the air that is harmful to the environment.

Freight Tracks... railway tracks used for transporting goods, rather than passengers.

Inflation... the measure of how quickly the prices of goods and services are rising.

… calculated as the average price increase of a basket of selected goods and services over one year.