The impact of a new transport link on residential communities

This paper examines the expected and perceived impacts of a new underground line by local residents in five areas in London. Data were collected both before opening of the new underground line and 2 years after opening. The new line aimed to improve travel opportunities for local residents and regenerate the areas, which were relatively isolated from other areas in London due to the River Thames. As expected the study found that perceptions of the River Thames as a physical barrier (transport connections) improved in the 2-year period after opening of the underground line. The extent to which this improved transport link was perceived to be positive for the area, however, varied between respondents depending on their views of the area in which they lived and their perceptions of the River Thames as a social boundary (‘us’ versus ‘them’ beliefs). Those who were more positive about the character of their area were more positive about the impact of the underground line. However, those who perceived stronger social boundaries were less positive about the impact of the line for their area.