A Bold Solution for a Cherished Asset
For decades, Ruislip Lido has been one of Hillingdon's most cherished assets—a unique woodland and waterside retreat offering a vital escape for families across London. However, its very popularity has become its greatest challenge. For years, the story of the Lido has been one of conflict: a battle between its natural beauty and the blight of traffic congestion, parking chaos, environmental strain, and anti-social behaviour that has severely impacted the quality of life for local residents. The London Borough of Hillingdon is committed to a vision that promotes happy and healthy families and fosters a sustainable environment. We recognise that the incremental, often controversial, measures of the past have failed to resolve the fundamental issues at the Lido. The time for temporary fixes is over. The time for bold, decisive, and forward- thinking action has come. This document outlines a landmark proposal to solve these long-standing problems once and for all: The Lido Link Monorail. This state-of-the-art transport system is not merely a new way to travel; it is a transformative project designed to eliminate car dependency, restore peace to residential streets, enhance public safety, and secure the Lido's future as a premier, sustainable family destination for generations to come.The Mandate for Change:
Why Conventional Solutions Have Failed
The problems are well-documented. Newspaper archives and council records paint a clear picture of a situation that has deteriorated over nearly two decades. Residents of Reservoir Road, Ducks Hill Road, and the surrounding areas have been subjected to gridlock, abuse of their private property, and constant disruption. The council’s 2010 expansion of the car parks, undertaken against the advice of residents' groups, proved their predictions correct: it simply attracted more visitors and exacerbated the chaos. In developing a definitive solution, the Council commissioned extensive feasibility studies to explore all possible transport interventions. It became clear that conventional approaches would be insufficient.Alternatives to the monorail considered
Autonomous Pod Vehicles: An innovative system of small, autonomous "pod" vehicles was considered. However, the landmark "Ruislip Urban Mobility Study (2023)" conducted by leading transport planners, Aurecon Transport Solutions, concluded that such a system would be unworkable. The pods would require dedicated road space on the already congested A4180, effectively removing a lane of traffic and creating unprecedented bottlenecks in Ruislip town centre. The report concluded that this would simply shift the problem, not solve it. Increased Bus Services: The capacity of the H13 and 331 bus routes was another key area of investigation. However, extensive timetable and capacity analysis by JMP Consultants found that even a dramatically increased frequency of service would be overwhelmed on hot summer days. Furthermore, adding more buses to the existing road network would contribute to, rather than alleviate, the traffic gridlock, particularly at peak times.
Autonomous pod vehicles were found
not to be suitable because they
require too much land use
Lido Link Pods
The Route and Experience
The proposed Lido Link Monorail will be a sleek, modern system designed for comfort, efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. The elevated guideway will be supported by slender, unobtrusive columns, preserving the character of the areas it passes through. The system is designed to create a seamless public transport artery from the heart of Ruislip directly to the Lido. The Orchard (Proposed Branch extension): A future-proofed branch line is proposed along Ickenham Road to The Orchard. This demonstrates the system's potential for expansion, potentially serving other key community locations in the future.The Proposed Route:
Connecting Town Centre to Lidoside
• Kingsend Depot & Terminus: The heart of the operation will be a purpose- built storage and servicing depot at 57 Kingsend. The recently submitted planning application (Ref: 3409/APP/2025/1919) for a Rolling Stock Storage Building and new tracks marks the first tangible step of this project. This site will not only house the fleet but will also serve as the southern terminus of the line. • Ruislip Station: The first stop north will provide a vital interchange with the London Underground (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines), allowing visitors from across London to access the Lido without a car. • Ruislip High Street: A station in the town centre will integrate the Lido experience with local businesses, boosting the local economy and increasing footfall for shops and restaurants. • Lido Junction: The primary northern terminus will be located at the junction of the A4180 and Reservoir Road, providing direct, convenient access to the Lido entrance.The Passenger Experience: A Journey to Remember
The Lido Link will transform the journey into part of the attraction. Passengers will board whisper-quiet, fully electric, and climate-controlled vehicles. The elevated position will offer unique and scenic views of Ruislip, gliding effortlessly over the High Street and towards the beautiful woodland that surrounds the Lido. The system will be entirely step-free and fully accessible, catering to families with pushchairs, elderly visitors, and those with mobility needs, ensuring the Lido is open and welcoming to all.Integration with
a Local Treasure:
The Ruislip Lido Railway
A key feature of the proposal is the integration with the existing and much-loved Ruislip Lido Railway. At the Lido Junction terminus, a dedicated interchange will allow passengers to seamlessly transfer from the modern monorail to the historic narrow-gauge railway for the final, charming journey along the lakeside to the beach. To ensure continuity of service and retain invaluable local expertise, the entire monorail system will be operated by the Ruislip Lido Railway company. This creates a unique "heritage and future" transport experience, combining the best of modern engineering with a treasured piece of Ruislip's history.A Permanent End to the
Parking Nightmare
The monorail directly addresses the root cause of the problem by eliminating the need for visitors to arrive by car. The gridlock on Reservoir Road, the dangerous parking on Ducks Hill Road, and the constant abuse of residents' private parking spaces will become a memory. By providing a fast, reliable, and enjoyable alternative, the monorail will dramatically reduce car volume, restoring peace and safety to the local community. The "parking nightmare" so often reported will be consigned to history.A Champion for a Sustainable
Environment
The monorail is a flagship project for a greener Hillingdon. The fully electric system produces zero local emissions, and its quiet operation will not disturb residents or wildlife. By removing thousands of car journeys from the roads each year, it will significantly reduce the area's carbon footprint. This stands in stark contrast to the environmental concerns raised by groups like the Friends of Ruislip Lido over the 2010 car park expansion. This project protects and enhances the natural environment by tackling its greatest threat: excessive traffic.Enhancing Community Safety
and Reducing Anti-Social
Behaviour
As detailed by residents, a significant problem is the lack of management and security, particularly in the evenings. The monorail provides a structured and managed transport corridor. With clear operating hours, CCTV, and staff presence at stations, it creates a safe and family-friendly atmosphere from the moment a visitor begins their journey. This managed presence will actively discourage the late-night anti-social behaviour that has become so intolerable for those living nearby.A Catalyst for Economic and
Social Prosperity
The Lido Link will bring significant benefits to the wider Ruislip community. The station on the High Street will encourage visitors to spend time and money in local shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. The monorail itself will become a landmark attraction, enhancing Ruislip's reputation as a forward-thinking and desirable place to live and visit.Addressing the Core Problems: A Definitive Solution
Project Endorsement
and The Path Forward
The Lido Link Monorail is a key capital spending priority for the London Borough of Hillingdon, reflecting their commitment to delivering transformative projects that benefit the entire community. Unanimous Support and High-Level Commitment This project is being driven directly from the Leader's office and has the full backing of the Cabinet Member for Residents' Services. This ensures the highest level of political commitment to its successful delivery. Furthermore, while a full public consultation is planned for a later stage, we have engaged in extensive, confidential discussions with key community stakeholders. In these preliminary discussions, key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ruislip Lido Residents Group, have expressed overwhelming support for a definitive, infrastructure-led solution of this nature, welcoming the prospect of an end to the decades of disruption. This strategic, borough-wide approach has allowed for rapid progress, bypassing the more granular, ward-level consultations that will follow in a later phase, meaning that even the dedicated councillors for Ruislip are not yet privy to the full scope of this exciting proposal.Next Steps
The project will be delivered in a phased approach: • Phase 1: Project Commencement. Securing planning permission for the Kingsend Depot and Servicing facility. • Phase 2: Public Consultation. A full public exhibition of the proposed route, station designs, and vehicle models. • Phase 3: Construction and Implementation. Final procurement, construction of the guideway, and system commissioning.
Conclusion: A Legacy for Ruislip
The Lido Link Monorail is more than steel and glass; it is a promise to the residents of Ruislip. It is a promise to restore their peace, protect their environment, and enhance their community. It is the bold, visionary action that is needed to solve a problem that has persisted for far too long. This project will secure the future of Ruislip Lido as a jewel in Hillingdon's crown, creating a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and community well- being for decades to come.Monorail for Ruislip
Connecting Ruislip station to Ruiislip High Street and Ruislip Lido has been a long term aim of London Borough of Hillingdon, and with this new project their dreams can be realised
A Vision for Ruislip: The Lido Link Monorail
A Proposal for London Borough of Hillingdon
September 2025
If you’d like to learn more about the Lido Link Monorail, please contact us on info@lidolink.co.uk
We hope to begin construction in Springfield 2027
A Bold Solution for a
Cherished Asset
For decades, Ruislip Lido has been one of Hillingdon's most cherished assets—a unique woodland and waterside retreat offering a vital escape for families across London. However, its very popularity has become its greatest challenge. For years, the story of the Lido has been one of conflict: a battle between its natural beauty and the blight of traffic congestion, parking chaos, environmental strain, and anti-social behaviour that has severely impacted the quality of life for local residents. The London Borough of Hillingdon is committed to a vision that promotes happy and healthy families and fosters a sustainable environment. We recognise that the incremental, often controversial, measures of the past have failed to resolve the fundamental issues at the Lido. The time for temporary fixes is over. The time for bold, decisive, and forward-thinking action has come. This document outlines a landmark proposal to solve these long-standing problems once and for all: The Lido Link Monorail. This state-of-the-art transport system is not merely a new way to travel; it is a transformative project designed to eliminate car dependency, restore peace to residential streets, enhance public safety, and secure the Lido's future as a premier, sustainable family destination for generations to come.The Mandate for Change:
Why Conventional Solutions
Have Failed
The problems are well-documented. Newspaper archives and council records paint a clear picture of a situation that has deteriorated over nearly two decades. Residents of Reservoir Road, Ducks Hill Road, and the surrounding areas have been subjected to gridlock, abuse of their private property, and constant disruption. The council’s 2010 expansion of the car parks, undertaken against the advice of residents' groups, proved their predictions correct: it simply attracted more visitors and exacerbated the chaos. In developing a definitive solution, the Council commissioned extensive feasibility studies to explore all possible transport interventions. It became clear that conventional approaches would be insufficient.Alternatives to the monorail
considered
Autonomous Pod Vehicles: An innovative system of small, autonomous "pod" vehicles was considered. However, the landmark "Ruislip Urban Mobility Study (2023)" conducted by leading transport planners, Aurecon Transport Solutions, concluded that such a system would be unworkable. The pods would require dedicated road space on the already congested A4180, effectively removing a lane of traffic and creating unprecedented bottlenecks in Ruislip town centre. The report concluded that this would simply shift the problem, not solve it. Increased Bus Services: The capacity of the H13 and 331 bus routes was another key area of investigation. However, extensive timetable and capacity analysis by JMP Consultants found that even a dramatically increased frequency of service would be overwhelmed on hot summer days. Furthermore, adding more buses to the existing road network would contribute to, rather than alleviate, the traffic gridlock, particularly at peak times.
Autonomous pod vehicles were found not to be suitable
because they require too much land use
Lido Link Pods
The Route and Experience
The proposed Lido Link Monorail will be a sleek, modern system designed for comfort, efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. The elevated guideway will be supported by slender, unobtrusive columns, preserving the character of the areas it passes through. The system is designed to create a seamless public transport artery from the heart of Ruislip directly to the Lido. The Orchard (Proposed Branch extension): A future-proofed branch line is proposed along Ickenham Road to The Orchard. This demonstrates the system's potential for expansion, potentially serving other key community locations in the future.The Proposed Route:
Connecting Town Centre to
Lidoside
• Kingsend Depot & Terminus: The heart of the operation will be a purpose-built storage and servicing depot at 57 Kingsend. The recently submitted planning application (Ref: 3409/APP/2025/1919) for a Rolling Stock Storage Building and new tracks marks the first tangible step of this project. This site will not only house the fleet but will also serve as the southern terminus of the line. • Ruislip Station: The first stop north will provide a vital interchange with the London Underground (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines), allowing visitors from across London to access the Lido without a car. • Ruislip High Street: A station in the town centre will integrate the Lido experience with local businesses, boosting the local economy and increasing footfall for shops and restaurants. • Lido Junction: The primary northern terminus will be located at the junction of the A4180 and Reservoir Road, providing direct, convenient access to the Lido entrance.The Passenger Experience: A
Journey to Remember
The Lido Link will transform the journey into part of the attraction. Passengers will board whisper-quiet, fully electric, and climate-controlled vehicles. The elevated position will offer unique and scenic views of Ruislip, gliding effortlessly over the High Street and towards the beautiful woodland that surrounds the Lido. The system will be entirely step-free and fully accessible, catering to families with pushchairs, elderly visitors, and those with mobility needs, ensuring the Lido is open and welcoming to all.Integration with
a Local Treasure:
The Ruislip Lido Railway
A key feature of the proposal is the integration with the existing and much-loved Ruislip Lido Railway. At the Lido Junction terminus, a dedicated interchange will allow passengers to seamlessly transfer from the modern monorail to the historic narrow-gauge railway for the final, charming journey along the lakeside to the beach. To ensure continuity of service and retain invaluable local expertise, the entire monorail system will be operated by the Ruislip Lido Railway company. This creates a unique "heritage and future" transport experience, combining the best of modern engineering with a treasured piece of Ruislip's history.A Permanent End to the
Parking Nightmare
The monorail directly addresses the root cause of the problem by eliminating the need for visitors to arrive by car. The gridlock on Reservoir Road, the dangerous parking on Ducks Hill Road, and the constant abuse of residents' private parking spaces will become a memory. By providing a fast, reliable, and enjoyable alternative, the monorail will dramatically reduce car volume, restoring peace and safety to the local community. The "parking nightmare" so often reported will be consigned to history.A Champion for a
Sustainable
Environment
The monorail is a flagship project for a greener Hillingdon. The fully electric system produces zero local emissions, and its quiet operation will not disturb residents or wildlife. By removing thousands of car journeys from the roads each year, it will significantly reduce the area's carbon footprint. This stands in stark contrast to the environmental concerns raised by groups like the Friends of Ruislip Lido over the 2010 car park expansion. This project protects and enhances the natural environment by tackling its greatest threat: excessive traffic.Enhancing Community
Safety and Reducing
Anti-Social Behaviour
As detailed by residents, a significant problem is the lack of management and security, particularly in the evenings. The monorail provides a structured and managed transport corridor. With clear operating hours, CCTV, and staff presence at stations, it creates a safe and family-friendly atmosphere from the moment a visitor begins their journey. This managed presence will actively discourage the late-night anti- social behaviour that has become so intolerable for those living nearby.A Catalyst for Economic
and Social Prosperity
The Lido Link will bring significant benefits to the wider Ruislip community. The station on the High Street will encourage visitors to spend time and money in local shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. The monorail itself will become a landmark attraction, enhancing Ruislip's reputation as a forward-thinking and desirable place to live and visit.Addressing the Core
Problems: A
Definitive Solution
Project Endorsement
and The Path Forward
The Lido Link Monorail is a key capital spending priority for the London Borough of Hillingdon, reflecting their commitment to delivering transformative projects that benefit the entire community. Unanimous Support and High-Level Commitment This project is being driven directly from the Leader's office and has the full backing of the Cabinet Member for Residents' Services. This ensures the highest level of political commitment to its successful delivery. Furthermore, while a full public consultation is planned for a later stage, we have engaged in extensive, confidential discussions with key community stakeholders. In these preliminary discussions, key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ruislip Lido Residents Group, have expressed overwhelming support for a definitive, infrastructure-led solution of this nature, welcoming the prospect of an end to the decades of disruption. This strategic, borough-wide approach has allowed for rapid progress, bypassing the more granular, ward-level consultations that will follow in a later phase, meaning that even the dedicated councillors for Ruislip are not yet privy to the full scope of this exciting proposal.Next Steps
The project will be delivered in a phased approach: • Phase 1: Project Commencement. Securing planning permission for the Kingsend Depot and Servicing facility. • Phase 2: Public Consultation. A full public exhibition of the proposed route, station designs, and vehicle models. • Phase 3: Construction and Implementation. Final procurement, construction of the guideway, and system commissioning.
Conclusion: A Legacy
for Ruislip
The Lido Link Monorail is more than steel and glass; it is a promise to the residents of Ruislip. It is a promise to restore their peace, protect their environment, and enhance their community. It is the bold, visionary action that is needed to solve a problem that has persisted for far too long. This project will secure the future of Ruislip Lido as a jewel in Hillingdon's crown, creating a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and community well-being for decades to come.Monorail for
Ruislip
Connecting Ruislip station to Ruiislip High Street and Ruislip Lido has been a long term aim of London Borough of Hillingdon, and with this new project their dreams can be realised
A Vision for Ruislip: The
Lido Link Monorail
A Proposal for London Borough of Hillingdon
September 2025
If you’d like to learn more about the Lido Link Monorail,
please contact us on info@lidolink.co.uk
We hope to
begin
construction in
Springfield 2027
