Waterloo undertakes freight hub trial

The scheme, funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, a UK government agency, and initiated by Cross River Partnership (CRP), has been operating for two months and will continue for another four months.

CRP is joined in the trial by Network Rail, Lambeth Council, the Department for Transport, London and Continental Railways, and local management at Waterloo, with the aim to test the feasibility of a zero-emission last-mile logistics model based at a major passenger station.

Since March this year (2025), logistics provider Delivery Mates has been delivering parcels by van into the undercroft of Waterloo Station, before transferring them onto a fleet of ten electrically-assisted cargo bikes for final distribution across central London.

The project is designed to reduce road congestion, lower air pollution, and support the growth of green jobs in the capital. Waterloo was identified as a prime location for urban freight due to its extensive undercroft space, previously used for Eurostar operations before services moved to St Pancras in 2007.

Alexandra Herdman, Logistics UK’ Senior Policy Manager said: “This trial proves that public-sector vision and private-sector agility can work hand-in-hand.

“It is creating new green-career opportunities in urban logistics, whilst transforming the underutilised undercroft of Waterloo Station into a bustling zero-emission logistics hub.”

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Stephanie Haszczyn, who recently visited the hub, said: “It was great to see first hand the Waterloo freight hub plans. The trial is a clear example of how innovation doesn’t need to just focus on new infrastructure and how utilising existing infrastructure can support the shift to zero-emission logistics.

“This project demonstrates a scalable model for cleaner, more efficient urban freight. As we work to decarbonise logistics pilots like this are essential in maintaining the resilience and reach of our supply chains.”