TGLP dismay at Greenwich Transit decision

Thames Gateway London Partnership echoes Greenwich Council's dismay at Mayor's decision to scrap Greenwich Waterfront Transit

The Thames Gateway London Partnership (TGLP) is dismayed by the news that the Mayor of London is to cancel the Greenwich Waterfront Transit (GWT) - which would have provided a faster, more direct and frequent bus service between Abbey Wood and Thamesmead to the DLR in Woolwich and the Jubilee Line at North Greenwich and was scheduled to commence in time for the Olympic Games.

Cllr Conor McAuley, Vice Chair, TGLP, transport and connectivity, said: "This is extremely frustrating for the London Thames Gateway and East London. If we are to reach our proposed housing targets it is absolutely vital that the right infrastructure is in place. Scrapping the Greenwich Waterfront Transit now seems like yet another step backwards. We should be focusing on economic recovery and growth and projects like the GWT are essential.

The proposed £400m of transport schemes which the Mayor has already cancelled were vital to the regeneration of East London and the future growth of London. This is yet another example of the Mayor taking a decision without consulting those involved, despite his repeated promises to engage with the boroughs."

Notes to editors:

The London Thames Gateway sub region consists of a corridor stretching eastwards on both banks of the Thames from the City of London and Lewisham in inner London across the metropolitan boundary to Thurrock and Dartford in the east. The area is the largest development opportunity for growth in population and employment in London and South-East England. TGLP is an alliance of 12 local authorities in the sub region, eight universities, the Strategic Health Authority and the East London Learning and Skills Council. TGLP is committed to working with the private sector, Government and local communities to bring about the sustainable regeneration of the area and the delivery of cross cutting priorities