Ekosgen appointed to lead East London transport transformation research

We have appointed Eksogen, part of GC Insight, to analyse the impact of investing in transport in our nine-borough sub-region.

Boroughs in the Local London sub-region have experienced significant demographic change and population growth, out-stripping national and London averages. However, investment in transport infrastructure in the eastern part of London has not kept pace with this growth.

As well as being the fastest growing part of London, the sub-region has significant areas of deprivation, with poor public transport links and a high reliance upon cars. Low levels of investment in transport infrastructure have led to house building rates less than half that of the rest of London in some boroughs. Improving key transport links and public transport is vital for connecting residents to employment and education opportunities, as well as generating sustainable growth.

Acting on behalf of its member boroughs, Local London is advocating for accelerated investment into key transport infrastructure in the sub-region, calling for inclusivity and sustainability to be part of transport decisions and arguing for rail planning and delivery decision to be made for London by London.

To support this, Eksogen, one of the UK’s leading independent economic and social research consultancies, will use existing research to quantify the benefits that can be unlocked through the priority investments identified in the Local London Transport Policy Position.

Ekosgen’s findings will present the sub-region’s long-term transport needs and the impact of delivering the critical infrastructure on the lives and people in this part of London.

This analysis will take into account current and future population changes, transport habits, anticipated expansions of international ports and business to be generated through the Thames Freeport and how this will impact transport requirements into and through London. Alongside this, Ekosgen will analyse a number of key sub-regional transport infrastructure projects that will be vital to catalysing housing and employment opportunities for residents. These include:

• A13 and South Barking Improvements.
• Bakerloo Line Extension.
• Beam Park.
• Elizabeth line to Ebbsfleet.
• Enfield to Liverpool Street Overground.
• Lower Thames Crossing.
• River Roding Crossing.
• Stratford International.
• Stratford Station.
• Thames ferry crossings.
• Thames piers and wharves development (including river bus options.)
• Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside Public Transport Programme (including DLR extension to Belvedere.)
• Walthamstow Central.

Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, Chairman of Local London and Leader of London Borough of Bexley said “As the fastest growing part of London, we need investment in transport infrastructure to ensure residents can access work, education and leisure activities easily. Ekosgen’s research will quantify the economic growth, housing and job supply benefits of investing in transport, and identify projected transport needs of this fast-growing part of London. This is about ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth across our boroughs now and in the future.”

Margaret Collins of Ekosgen said “We are delighted to be working with Local London on this commission. This is an important piece of work which will help to drive economic growth across this sub-region. The work builds on recent studies carried out across the country to help secure investment in places, and our local track record in this part of London.”

Find out more about Ekosgen gcinsight.co.uk/about/ekosgen

Find out more about Local London local.london