Trams for Borough High Street?

The feasibility study was commissioned in response to uncertainties around the funding and delivery of London's long-awaited rail projects – Crossrail, Thameslink 2000 and the East London Line Extension – which cost billions rather than millions.

The results of the initial stages of the study show that a City light rail scheme would be viable and compare well with other existing and proposed public transport schemes in London.

This scheme complements the Cross River Partnership's London Tram scheme between Peckham and Camden (via Waterloo), which will greatly relieve the overcrowded Northern and Victoria lines, cutting some commuter journeys by 50%.

Modern trenchless technology could allow this tram scheme to be built without the unfathomable cost and burden of excavating and diverting utility infrastructure

The route with greatest potential runs from Battersea to Hackney via Vauxhall, Elephant and Castle, Borough High Street, Bishopsgate and Shoreditch. Initial estimates suggest a capital cost of around £260m for a core route from Battersea to Hackney with an annual operating cost of £9m per annum.

Stage three of the study is now underway. This involves a more detailed examination of the feasibility of the chosen route and the preparation of an outline business case.

Graham Forbes, Chairman of the Corporation of London's Planning and Transportation Committee, said: "There is a desperate need for improved public transport in the City and we believe this new tram link will help. It would also make a major contribution to relieving overcrowding on key sections of the Underground and improve access to many proposed development schemes."

Savas Sivetidis, Director of the Cross River Partnership, said, "The City scheme would complement the Cross River Partnership's London Tram scheme, connecting the two and providing the improved orbital transport links that have been identified as a necessary element of our South Central Transport Strategy."