Cargo bike delivery trial at Waterloo Station cuts carbon & congestion

An innovative freight trial beneath London’s Waterloo Station has demonstrated how sustainable logistics can reduce carbon emissions, cut congestion and improve air quality across the capital.

Cross River Partnership (CRP) has successfully delivered a low-emission deliveries pilot operating from the Waterloo Freight Hub, located in Arch 242A under Waterloo Station. Running from 25 March to 23 July 2025, the trial saw sustainable last-mile courier Delivery Mates receive, sort and dispatch parcels across London using electrically assisted cargo bikes.

During the four-month trial, Delivery Mates’ cargo bikes travelled more than 4,600 kilometres and delivered over 20,000 parcels to residents and businesses. By shifting deliveries away from polluting vans and onto cargo bikes, the Waterloo Freight Hub generated more than 2,500 kilograms of CO₂ savings whilst also reducing road congestion.

The project showcased the creative reuse and retrofitting of an existing Network Rail and Department for Transport (DfT) asset, proving that underused railway arches can play a key role in London’s transition to cleaner, greener freight. Importantly, the switch to low-emission deliveries was achieved at no extra cost to customers, helping communities access more sustainable services without financial penalty.

Beyond its immediate environmental benefits, the trial demonstrated the long-term potential of the site. CRP says the space could be developed into a fully operational Multi-Modal Waterloo Freight Hub, with inbound deliveries arriving by rail, river and road, and outbound journeys completed using a range of low-emission vehicles.

A forthcoming report will detail the positive impacts of the trial, alongside the extensive processes, approvals and operational learnings involved. It will chart the project’s journey from conception in 2022 to delivery in 2025, highlighting the importance of strong coordination to avoid missed opportunities and to maximise future economic, community and environmental benefits.

CRP worked closely with Network Rail, the London Borough of Lambeth, the Department for Transport and London and Continental Railways (LCR) to deliver the pilot. To fully realise the site’s potential, CRP is now encouraging the DfT to take further action. Recommendations include leading a flexible programme for the next phase of the hub’s development, providing coordination funding to support expanded use of the Waterloo undercroft, and commissioning CRP to progress rail freight deliveries directly into Waterloo Station.