Other public transport information

Bus transit scheme

In November 2023, we secured Government funding for a bus transit scheme, which is planned to run from Woolwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead. This would use dedicated bus priority lanes to provide quicker, more reliable journeys, and an affordable and accessible transport option with frequent connections to the Elizabeth Line and DLR services. It would also support the early phases of development at Thamesmead, ahead of the proposed DLR extension becoming operational. We are developing these proposals further, separate to the proposals for the extension of the DLR from Gallions Reach, and will consult you on our plans for a bus transit scheme at a later date.

Thames Gateway Bridge

Parts of the development sites at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront include land that has been safeguarded by Government as part of previous proposals for a possible Thames Gateway Bridge across the River Thames between Beckton and Thamesmead. Although there are now no plans to deliver a road crossing in this location, the land needed to build this bridge remains safeguarded by Government to stop other development taking place that would have prevented the future construction of the bridge. Safeguarding is a planning process which protects land required for infrastructure projects.

The safeguarding of this land conflicts with the vision for new homes, jobs and high-quality town centres in these areas, and could limit the transformational opportunity of the proposed DLR extension (which would itself provide a new cross-river link).

If we decide to continue with a DLR extension, following feedback to this consultation, we will explore the removal of the safeguarding with the Department for Transport and affected London Boroughs.