will be able to call at London Bridge. The total service level into Cannon Street will be somewhat reduced. Even with all these interventions, some peak crowding will remain. Some train lengthening beyond that provided 2010-1015 is likely to be required. Longer term (2019 and beyond) In the longer term further peak train lengthening of up to 12 cars on certain routes may become highly desirable, though technically difficult. Another strategy could be to increase peak service level frequencies, though the RUS highlights the difficulties and even drawbacks of the interventions required to support that. Developments away from the existing heavy rail network are discussed such as: the extension of Crossrail beyond Abbey Wood to encompass the North Kent line the extension of the Bakerloo line into the south London suburbs various tram and/or Docklands Light Railway schemes Certain key stations may require significant redevelopment, and a few new stations, including Brixton High Level, have been mooted and should be explored further at a later date. Subsequent developments Eastfields station on the Wimbledon loop opened in June 2008. In February 2008 an announcement of the approval and funding package for the East London London Phase 2 extension (from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction) was made by Transport for London (TfL). However, the associated (as mitigation for the withdrawal of the South London Line service) Victoria-Bellingham service has not been confirmed. In early 2010 TfL is studying various alternatives to fill the gap. The bay platforms at Blackfriars were closed in March 2009, pending reconstruction of the station. In March 2009 Network Rail published its CP4 Delivery Plan 2009, including Enhancements programme: statement of scope, outputs and milestones, confirming most of the recommended interventions. As at early May 2009 there are about 12tph through Blackfriars in the peak three hours. In December 2010 completion of the Thameslink Programme was deferred to 2018. In December 2011 platform lengthening was complemented on the Sydenham Line (to 10-car), the East Grinstead line (to 12-car) and the Bedford - Brighton route (to 12-car). The latter included the opening of a new station entrance at Blackfriars (South Bank) and a new station concourse at Farringdon. References Network Rail