The public have given their backing to Transport for London’s (TfL’s) plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), following consultation.

The latest public consultation results on proposals to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead come after the government confirmed its support for the project in the recent Budget.

The consultation, held between 23 June and 17 August 2025, received 1,444 responses and sought views on the proposed route, new station locations and how the extension could be delivered.

Key findings include:

• 76% of respondents supported the proposed route from Gallions Reach
• 66% backed the proposed station at Beckton Riverside.
• 77% supported the proposed station in Thamesmead town centre

Respondents welcomed the improved connectivity and economic opportunities the extension will bring, particularly for Thamesmead. Many also suggested future extensions beyond Thamesmead to Abbey Wood or Bexley. TfL confirmed that while the current focus is on delivering the Thamesmead extension, the design allows for potential future expansion.

It follows a positive response to TfL’s initial consultation held last year, where 75% of respondents said the proposals would make journeys into the wider east and south-east London quicker.

The proposed Thamesmead extension will connect two Opportunity Areas and unlock major development sites, supporting the delivery of 25,000 to 30,000 new homes, creating 10,000 jobs, and attracting nearly £18bn in private investment.

A new station will be built at Beckton Riverside, with a tunnel under the River Thames linking to another new station at Thamesmead. This builds on TfL’s experience from the 2009 extension to Woolwich Arsenal, which delivered significant housing growth in Woolwich, Canning Town and the Royal Docks.

The government confirmed its backing for the DLR extension as part of its Budget, with chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing measures enabling TfL and the Greater London Authority to secure funding for the project. 

Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, said:  “This extension will transform connectivity in east London, unlocking thousands of homes and creating jobs while supporting sustainable growth. The strong public backing shows how vital this project is for Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, and we look forward to working with Government and our partners to make it a reality.”

TfL will continue working closely with government, the GLA, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Borough of Newham, landowners and developers. A further public consultation on the proposals is planned for 2026, ahead of submitting a Transport and Works Act Order application to the Secretary of State for Transport by the end of that year.

A £23m government grant from Homes England will fund a new bus transit system in Thamesmead, transforming connectivity in the area. The proposed service will link Woolwich town centre and Abbey Wood via Thamesmead, providing faster, more reliable access to Elizabeth line and DLR stations.

Designed with segregated lanes to avoid congestion, the scheme aims to support thousands of new homes and jobs, unlocking growth and improving sustainable travel options. Public consultation on the plans has already commenced, with the service targeted to launch by 2026.