READERS have had their say on ambitious plans for an underground rail link in Southampton.

Similar to London's tube network, the plans were revealed as part of a £45bn transport plan for the South East.

Should it be approved, the lines will link Southampton Central and the Netley line allowing for quicker travel times between the city and Portsmouth. It currently takes 42 minutes by rail.

As part of a bid to support Southampton's growth and regeneration, the proposed new line was included in consultation by Transport for the South East.

It would allow for four trains an hour between the cities, with a journey time of 30-35 minutes.

But the ambitious plans have been met with controversy from readers on the Daily Echo  Facebook page.

Mike Roberts said: "Southampton needs a massive uplift on the exterior, not some link that is not really needed. I get more and more disappointed about the state of our city every day."

William Hoof Roberts said he would rather see "a return to proper station staff who looked after that station, working toilets, and trains which can accommodate the passengers" at the existing station.

Nicola Cheater said that an underground link to the docks from the M27 for HGVs only "would be more beneficial".

Jack Gawn said: "This isn’t going to happen.

"Trains do need infrastructure improvements constantly, would be a nice option to have a newer line to use on that route.

"Don’t think the Netley area would be too pleased about it though."

David Kalizewski Waterson joked: "With the sinkholes the plans have already started."

Benjamin Grant added: "To be honest if we had our own underground network it would actually be useful.

"I know this is a station only but imagine we had such a system, it would benefit so much. I probably would use it if I could hop on from Botley area or within Eastleigh."

Jamie Hankins said: "Sounds good and I hope it happens. Doesn't sound remotely comparable to what London has, and I'm not sure why that comparison has been made, but seems like a worthwhile improvement."

Sheila Perry added: "Another pipe dream. Southampton city is way behind many others, such as Portsmouth, in facilities. Improving the waterfront, old pier area and access to cruise terminals would be a better use of any funds. It won't happen....."

A mass transit plan for Southampton is also included, consisting of trams, light rail, buses and/or ferries.

The proposal is among several other plans, including improvements to Southampton Central.

Transport for the South East's outline case said: "TfSE has worked with key stakeholders to develop a longer-term package of scheme that unlock significant capacity and shorter journey times between Southampton and Portsmouth city centres.

"This could include a potential new underground link between Southampton Central and the Netley line providing a more direct route and deconflicting north-south and east-west rail movements."