A PROPOSAL TO USING EXISTING LINES TO CREATE A NEW PASSENGER SERVICE IN WEST LONDON IS ESTIMATED TO HAVE A BENEFIT-COST RATIO IN EXCESS OF 50:1
Plans for a new passenger service over the Dudding Hill line in West London are advancing. The service, dubbed the West London Orbital (WLO) line, would connect Hounslow to West Hampstead and Hendon.
The West London Alliance (WLA), a partnership between the local authorities of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, commissioned WSP to examine the case for the service.
The study considered a range of options for the corridor, including heavy rail, tram, tram-train, bus rapid transit and conversion to highway. The conclusion was that heavy rail is the preferred option, largely so existing freight services on the route can continue.
Published in September, WSP’s report estimates the scheme’s benefit-cost ratio to be in excess of 50:1. The WLO was included in the draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy and has the support of Deputy Mayor for Transport Val Shawcross.
PROPOSAL
The four-mile-long Dudding Hill line links Cricklewood to Acton, and last saw scheduled passenger services in 1902. It has no stations, is not electrified and…
