Commuters and councillors are petitioning the capital’s mayoral candidates to bring a “much-needed boost” to a deprived section of the borough by rezoning Maryland.
At the start of the year, residents welcomed the reclassification of Stratford and six other DLR stations from Zone 3 to 2/3, saving commuters up to £200 a year.
But those living in Maryland, part of which lies within Stratford, say they have been let down by the failure to rezone their station, soon to become part of the first Crossrail route and currently serviced by TfL Rail.
David Kosdruy, 34, of Hatfield Road, Maryland, initiated the MarylandZone2 petition with Forest Gate councillor Seyi Akiwowo.
“We think that many people who live near Maryland use Stratford because it’s in Zone 2 and therefore cheaper,” he said. “It’s one of the most deprived areas of the UK and the rezoning would help the whole regeneration.”
The Friends of Maryland community group petition, started at the end of last month, also holds that Stratford gets “dangerously busy” and a nearby station in Zones 2/3 would help alleviate this.
Campaigners point out that the arrival of Elizabeth Line, due to open in December 2018, will give a “£3m facelift” to the station.
Cllr Akiwowo founded the community group, which has written to all mayoral and Greater London Assembly (GLA) candidates to ask for their support.
“This won’t only be good for Maryland, it will be good for the whole of east London,” she said.
A TfL spokesman said: “We have no current plans to rezone any further stations in London. Any request would need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, assessing the overall cost and benefits to all those involved.”
Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said the council’s campaign to have Stratford rezoned was “just the start”.
“The new Mayor of London and TFL must rezone more stations in the borough,” he said.
“This will provide an additional economic boost to the whole of London, and attract more investment and visitors east.”
He added: “It is especially vital that the Enterprise Zone and the wider regeneration of the Royal Docks is supported.
“Residents and workers in east London deserve fairness and rezoning Newham’s stations will help redress that balance.”
Visit ipetitions.com/petition/marylandzone2 to sign the petition.
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