A £12bn push toward Crossrail 2 could see work begin on the north and south London rail link from 2018.

The treasury has pledged billions of pounds to considering the network that could cut travel times across London by half.

Residents are still waiting to find out whether they will benefit from the scheme, which could take one of two proposed routes.

The first, a metro option, would offer a high-frequency underground service across central London that may not enter the borough.

The second regional option could include stops at Twickenham and Hampton Court and connect areas in the south-west and north-east of the capital with central London.

Transport for London said the travel time between Wimbledon and Alexandra Palace could be cut from 51 minutes to 31.

The scheme has long been a key ambition of the Mayor of London, who argued it was critical for money to be made available so that the project could begin by 2019.

A consultation on the route is due to end on August 2, and a report on the consultation results will be presented to Boris Johnson later this year.

To take part in the consultation, visit consultations.tfl.gov.uk/crossrail/2.