UK: Funding has been agreed for the development of preferred options for the West London Orbital scheme to introduce inner-suburban passenger services on under-utilised freight tracks in west London.
Transport for London, the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow and regeneration body Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corp have jointly committed up to £6·65m to fast-track design work and service modelling to finalise preferred options for public consultation in summer 2026.
This would enable a decision to be taken in 2027 on whether to seek legal powers to go ahead with the project.
TfL envisages that if that funding for construction could be secured from the government and other sources then services could start in the 2030s.
West London Orbital scheme
The project envisages the introduction of a London Overground service of up to six trains per hour between Hendon and Hounslow.
There would be new stations at Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, Harlesden and Lionel Road, and the 18·5 km route would serve growth hubs and town centres including Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common, Acton, Brentford and Hounslow.
Earlier development work looked at a potential route towards West Hampstead Thameslink, but TfL says Hendon is now seen as a more achievable option that offers the greatest benefits to customers; this would not preclude a future service to West Hampstead Thameslink.
Transforming how people travel
‘West London Orbital has the potential to transform how people travel across west and northwest London’, said TfL’s Chief Customer & Strategy Officer Alex Williams on March 5. ‘This funding allows us to take the next major step in developing the scheme, working closely with boroughs, the West London Alliance and Network Rail to build a detailed, evidence-based case for delivery. Improving orbital connections will support new homes, unlock jobs and give more people access to fast, reliable public transport.’
Leader of Brent Council Councillor Muhammed Butt said ‘the Elizabeth Line proved the point: build the connections and the growth will follow the line. The West London Orbital is a once-in-a-generation chance to do the same for Brent and our region. Four postcodes along this route in Brent are amongst the most deprived in London, yet they sit on the doorstep of HS2 and Old Oak Common. With the right connections, places like Harlesden and Neasden can become a new economic powerhouse for our borough, unlocking thousands of jobs, new homes, and millions of pounds of investment for local people for decades to come.’
