Croydon has been placed at the heart of a new sub-regional push for transport investment, with East Croydon station identified as one of the critical interchanges needing an increase in rail services and improvement in strategic interchanges under the South London Partnership’s newly launched “Mind the Gap: Connecting South London” strategy.

The strategy, unveiled at a launch event in Twickenham, brings together the councils of Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton to press Government, Transport for London, Network Rail and industry partners for coordinated investment across the sub-region.

For Croydon specifically, the plan carries real weight. East Croydon is one of the borough’s busiest interchanges, and its inclusion alongside hubs like Clapham Junction, Richmond, Wimbledon and Morden signals that upgrading capacity and reliability there is seen as central to unlocking growth across the wider network, not just for Croydon residents, but for journeys passing through the borough from across South London.

The strategy’s four priorities all have implications for Croydon:

• Strengthening connections – increasing rail services and improving strategic interchanges including Clapham Junction, Richmond, Wimbledon, Morden and East Croydon.
• Creating a fully integrated transport system – with stronger connections across bus, tram, rail and active travel networks.
• Securing a clear way forward for Crossrail 2 – to support long-term growth and connectivity.
• Delivering a transport system for all – with improved accessibility, affordability and inclusion.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair of the South London Partnership, said: “South London has been overlooked for too long when it comes to major transport investment.

“We have thriving communities, growing businesses, and huge potential, but too many residents are still held back by poor connections, unreliable journeys, and gaps in the network.

“Mind the Gap is a clear call for action. It sets out the improvements needed now, from better bus, rail, tram, and active travel connections, alongside the long-term investment required to unlock new homes, support local businesses, and drive sustainable growth. Better transport means better access to jobs, education, healthcare, and town centres.

“We are ready to work with Government, Transport for London, Network Rail and our partners to deliver the investment South London needs and deserves.”

The strategy also points to longer-term projects like the Thameslink Growth Corridor, which runs through Croydon, as part of the transformational change needed alongside nearer-term wins like a stronger bus network.

With East Croydon serving as a gateway not just for the borough but for rail traffic across the wider sub-region, Croydon’s role in the success of “Mind the Gap” looks set to be one of the most significant of any of the five partner boroughs.