Silvertown Tunnel: TfL could bus cyclists under the River Thames

Transport for London (TfL) is consulting on two options for a cycle shuttle bus service in east London, as part of its wider commitments around the Silvertown Tunnel.

Due to open in 2025, the Silvertown Tunnel will connect the Greenwich peninsula with the Royal Docks in Newham in a bid to reduce congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel.

However, the £2 billion scheme has proven highly controversial due to claims it will increase traffic into some of London’s most polluted areas.

Both directly-impacted boroughs, Newham and Greenwich, have called on Sadiq Khan to repurpose the tunnel to prioritise public transport and cycling, while a range of academics and campaigners have raised concerns it will have huge implications for London’s carbon targets and aims of reducing car use.

As part of the permission granted for the tunnel’s construction in 2016, the mayor and TfL committed to delivering an alternative cross-river option for cyclists, with no provision being included in the tunnel itself.

Now, they are kicking off an eight-week consultation proposing two main options for a cycle-bus vehicle to take cyclists and their bikes across the river.

The two main options for the bus, which will be reserved for cyclists, are to either have one which allows cyclists and bikes on-board, or has a bike trailer fitted to the back.

TfL is working with Riverlinx CJV, the company delivering the tunnel, and local boroughs on a host of wider walking and cycling improvements in the area.

In addition to the cycle bus, cyclists will also be able to use the IFS Cloud Cable Car, already connecting Newham to Greenwich. As part of the consultation, TfL is also asking respondents whether they would use a new ferry service. While “currently unaffordable”, TfL said it is keeping the option under review, in case further investment becomes available.

London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said: “Making cycling easier and more attractive to Londoners is a top priority for the mayor. These plans will mean that cyclists will benefit from easier travel between the Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown, enabling more people to make the switch to active travel and helping to build a better, greener London for everyone.

“I encourage Londoners to have their say in TfL’s consultation and let us know how this innovative service could best serve them.”

David Rowe, director of investment and delivery planning at TfL, said: “These cross-river cycling proposals are a key part of our commitment to ensuring that the Silvertown Tunnel supports growth in cross-river cycling use. We are keen to hear feedback from existing and potential cyclists so we can ensure that the services that are implemented best represent the needs of those who would use them.

“Work on the Silvertown Tunnel continues to progress, and we are working hard to ensure that this essential new infrastructure delivers transformative benefits to cross-river travel in east London with minimal impact to local communities. We will continue to engage with the local community and monitor traffic, air quality and other factors, both during construction and once the tunnel is open.”

The consultation will run until September 10, with a final decision due later this year.

Take part in the consultation, visit TfL’s webpage.