You may have recently heard about plans for Crossrail 2 which could see huge improvements for public transport in Hackney and much awaited underground links to central London. The Council has been asked for views on which of the proposed routes would be best for the borough and we have backed a regional scheme as our preferred option. Transport for London (TfL) proposed 'metro' and 'regional' options and while both included a Crossrail 2 link for Dalston, the regional option offers more for residents. An additional branch would include Hackney Central station and improve travel to Tottenham Hale, the borough's link to Stansted International Airport. Not only will the regional route bring an additional service to Hackney Central, it will also have up to 20 per cent more capacity on trains and could pave the way for improvements to existing stations. We have asked TfL to consider station development at Dalston Junction to allow an interchange with Dalston Kingsland and similar improvements at Hackney Central to link with Hackney Downs. We also support plans outlined in neighbouring Waltham Forest for an extra station in the Leabridge area, as well as additional stations outlined by Islington and Haringey councils. Crossrail 2 is a once in a lifetime transport project which could see new routes opened, journey times reduced and additional investment in Hackney. It's essential that we look for the best deal for residents, which is why we have lent our support to the regional scheme and I would encourage all residents to take a look at TfL's proposals and do the same.