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Rail Fares Frozen for Commuters and Families in Erith and Thamesmead

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, has today welcomed the Labour Government’s freeze on rail fares – the first in 30 years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the freeze ahead of the Budget this week, promising to save commuters hundreds of pounds on some of the busiest routes in the country, after decades of spiralling fares.

This freeze will be welcome news for many in Erith and Thamesmead constituency, who use Southeastern and Govia Thameslink train links on a daily basis.

Savings will be a game-changer for many commuters across the country. For example, those travelling to work 3 days a week using flexi-season tickets, will save:

  • £125 per year, travelling from Basildon to London
  • £315 per year, travelling from Milton Keynes to London
  • £173 per year, travelling from Woking to London

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for families across Erith and Thamesmead who rely on the train for travel.

“Labour understands the cost pressures working people face. And we also understand that the economy only works when it works for everyone – including making sure it’s affordable for people to travel to work and get where they need to.

“This shows the Chancellor is taking fair choices as we approach the Budget, with cutting the cost of living being a major priority.”

This announcement comes ahead of the Budget, which the Government has said will focus on the priorities of the British people: cutting waiting lists, cutting the national debt and cutting the cost of living.

Labour’s wider plans for Britain’s railways includes establishing a new publicly-owned company called “Great British Railways”, that will run and manage the tracks and trains used every day –ending years of fragmentation, driving up standards for passengers, and making journey easier and better value for money.

GBR will be accountable to passengers and taxpayers, bringing fares and ticketing into the 21st century, including through a new GBR website and app and building on the expansion of successful Pay As You Go and fares trials across the country.

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Abena welcomes breakthrough on campaign pledge to deliver DLR extension to Thamesmead

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, has welcomed reports that the Government is expected to confirm funding for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead in next week’s Budget – a major milestone for a project she has championed since her election in 2019.

The extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead – with a new station at Beckton – would bring a rail link to Thamesmead for the first time and help tackle decades of transport inequality in one of London’s most transport deprived areas. Journey times to Stratford could fall from currently up to 55 minutes to around 25 to 30 minutes, with commuters also able to reach Canary Wharf in 20 to 25 minutes and Liverpool Street in 35 to 40 minutes.

Extending the line is expected to unlock 25,000 new homes, up to 10,000 jobs and nearly £18 billion in private investment over 30 years – a scale of regeneration that would benefit both existing residents and future generations. It is believed over half a million people that live in Erith and Thamesmead and the wider area will benefit from this extension.

Abena was first elected on a pledge to campaign for this project, and she launched the #NextStopThamesmead campaign immediately after being elected. She has spent years driving cross-party and cross-institution support – including engagement with the Mayor of London, TfL, local authorities, developers and ministers.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“This is a huge step forward for Thamesmead. For too long, residents have been cut off from the transport links that much of London takes for granted. The DLR extension will finally change that – opening up access to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital.”

“I have championed this from day one. I raised it in my maiden speech and I’ve pushed ever since for the investment and regeneration our community deserves.”

“This breakthrough belongs to everyone who backed the campaign – residents, community groups and partners across London. Now we need confirmation in the Budget and a clear path to delivery, because Thamesmead has waited long enough.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I’m really pleased that the Government is backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead – something I’ve long called for alongside London’s businesses and communities. The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London. It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally.

 “I look forward to working hand in hand with Ministers to deliver this vital project as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.”

The plan aligns well with the Chancellor’s pledge to choose growth over austerity in the Budget and drive renewal in every part of the UK.

This breakthrough comes just months after the Chancellor committed at the Spending Review to working with Transport for London (TfL) to explore options for delivering the DLR extension to Thamesmead. It also follows the government’s announcement in September that Thamesmead has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns.

The Autumn Budget will be delivered by the Chancellor on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

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Abena celebrates local victory as double decker buses to be introduced on overcrowded 244

Local Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement that double-decker buses will finally be introduced on the consistently overcrowded 244 route, following years of campaigning by local residents, community groups and representatives.

The change will significantly increase passenger capacity on the busy route, which serves key local areas including Shooters Hill, Woolwich, Thamesmead, and Abbey Wood. TfL confirmed that the new double-decker buses will be phased in over the coming months, alongside updated journey planning information and stop notices.

This marks a major milestone in a long-running local campaign. Back in 2017, TfL proposed wide-ranging route changes, including making the 244 double-decker, but these plans never materialised – leaving residents increasingly frustrated.

The issue has been of particular concern to Shooters Hill residents and members of the Shrewsbury Park Residents’ Association, who have highlighted overcrowding for nearly a decade.

Since taking on Shooters Hill as part of her constituency in 2024, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has repeatedly raised the issue with TfL – experiencing the overcrowding herself and pressing for urgent improvements.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:
“This is fantastic news for local residents who have been raising concerns about overcrowding on the 244 for many years.

“It was vital for me to raise this directly with TfL and I’m delighted that they have listened to our community and agreed to introduce double-decker buses. This will make a real difference for commuters, the elderly, school pupils and families who rely on this service every day.

“I’d like to pay tribute all those who together have worked tirelessly over the years to keep this issue on the agenda. This is a great example of what we can achieve when residents and representatives work together.”

TfL had previously indicated that an update would be provided in early autumn 2024, but no confirmation followed. The latest announcement now confirms concrete plans to increase capacity, with double-decker buses being phased in after changes to stopping arrangements in Thamesmead.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP visiting a 244 bus stop in Shooters Hill to mark the victory:

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“A huge opportunity for Thamesmead” – Abena Oppong-Asare MP welcomes government’s new housing and DLR plans for the area

Abena Oppong-Asare MP has today welcomed the government’s announcement that Thamesmead has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns.

The plans, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, set out ambitions to create thousands of new homes in Thamesmead. Crucially, the proposals highlight the opportunity to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) into Thamesmead – a long-awaited step that would transform local transport links, boost the local economy, and improve access to jobs and services.

The Taskforce, set up to help deliver the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes this Parliament, recommends each new town should provide at least 10,000 homes, with 40% affordable and half of those for social rent. It also calls for accountable delivery bodies to give local communities long-term certainty.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“This is a huge opportunity for Thamesmead. The government’s plans for new homes and the DLR extension could be truly transformational – tackling London’s housing crisis, boosting local transport, and unlocking Thamesmead’s potential.

“Through my #NextStopThamesmead campaign I’ve long argued for better local transport connections, so I strongly welcome this positive step forward.

“I will work hard to ensure these plans are delivered in partnership with local residents and reflect our community’s needs.”

The Erith and Thamesmead MP recently visited Thamesmead Waterfront with Deputy Mayor Seb Dance, Greenwich Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke, and James Asser MP to hear about plans for new homes, local jobs, and the DLR extension. This visit came alongside the Chancellor’s Spending Review over the summer, where she committed to working with TfL on this project.

The government will now undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment before confirming final sites next year. Abena Oppong-Asare MP has pledged to work with ministers and residents to put local people at the heart of these plans, so Thamesmead gets the homes, transport, and investment it deserves.

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Next Stop Thamesmead

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Superloop Expansion Update

It has been great to see the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launch the expansion of the Superloop bus service this month, providing more transport options to those who need it.  

The new SL3 express bus route runs between Bromley and Thamesmead providing better links to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup and other locations in South East London and beyond. It will also provide better bus links for the people of Thamesmead travelling to and from Abbey Wood Station.  

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TFL Loop Consultation

Transport for London (TfL) is actively seeking input from the community to shape the future of public transportation in our area. They are extending an open invitation for individuals to voice their opinions and provide valuable insights on the proposed Superloop bus network, which has the potential to revolutionize our local transit options.

One of the noteworthy additions to this innovative network is the SL3 route, connecting Thamesmead to Bromley. This new route aims to address the growing demand for public transportation while also promoting sustainable travel choices. By increasing the frequency of buses between Thamesmead and Bexleyheath, as well as between Bexleyheath and Bromley, TfL intends to offer more convenience and accessibility to the constituency.

Now, the floor is open for you to contribute to this transformative initiative. The consultation period for these proposals is currently underway and will remain open until September 4th. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our local transportation system, ensuring it aligns with the needs and preferences of our community.

I encourage people to seize this opportunity and make your voices heard. Your input can help refine these proposals and create a Superloop bus network that truly serves the interests of our community. Together, we can play an active role in shaping the future of transportation in our area.

To participate in this consultation and share your views, please visit https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/sl3-superloop.

Your engagement in this process is a crucial step toward achieving a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transportation system in our neighbourhood. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

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Ticket Office Closures

As I’m sure many across the community are aware, it has recently been announced that there are plans to close rail ticket offices across the country including in our area of Erith and Thamesmead.

Last month, I wrote to both the Government and the CEO of Southeastern to express my concerns about the consequences of these closures, especially for the many elderly and disabled passengers who rely on these offices for travel. Currently, the plans would affect both Erith and Belvedere stations in our community. You can read these both at the end of this article. .

I also raised this with the Minister for Transport in the House of Commons. The Minister must assure the public over these plans. I will continue to monitor these issues and the concerns that constituents have raised with me on this issue.

The consultation for these proposals closes on 1st September 2023 and I urge all constituents to continue to express their views by contacting Southeastern on their website and by emailing London Travelwatch here: Southeastern.Consultation@Londontravelwatch.org.uk. Please also email me if you would like to share your thoughts on this important issue. Email me at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Letter to the Secretary of State for Transport

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Letter to Steve White

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ULEZ Expansion Update

Thank you to all constituents who have taken the time to write to me about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) London-wide expansion.  

I recently contacted the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to raise concerns about how the current proposals to extend the ULEZ will affect constituents of Erith and Thamesmead, many of whom do not have good links to public transport.

I welcomed the £110m for the new scrappage scheme to support Londoners on lower incomes, disabled Londoners, charities and micro-businesses as a welcome starting point. However, many of my constituents, including struggling families and businesses, are not covered by the scrappage scheme. I therefore strongly encouraged the Mayor to review of the scrappage scheme to support small businesses and to undertake an assessment of what additional support can be provided to families.  

I will continue to monitor the impact of ULEZ expansion in Erith and Thamesmead, and pass on my constituent’s views to the Mayor directly. 

Please find below my letter to the Mayor of London. 

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