Crossrail 2 bosses have said eight extra trains an hour could be added to relieve existing pressure on overcrowded lines that pass through Kingston and Norbiton.

A consultation into the proposed new rail link was launched today.

Transport for London's Crossrail 2 project would bring more services out to Berrylands, Surbiton and Hampton Court – which are less frequently-served.

Michele Dix, managing director of Crossrail 2, promises it would have a "transformative effect" for people travelling to work through the Kingston, Richmond, Elmbridge and Epsom boroughs.

The morning rush-hour trains running through Elmbridge and Kingston station into central London are some of the most overcrowded in the country.

The notoriously busy lines have previously been dubbed the "sardine express".

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis said: "Everyone can see that Kingston's population has been growing and it will continue to do so and as that happens new transport links with faster more regular services and greater reach will help us all."

Tony Arbour, London Assembly member for Kingston and Richmond, said: "These proposals which include the stations on the Shepperton, Chessington South and Hampton Court lines will massively increase frequency of trains and improve connectivity and comfort for all my constituents.

"I shall be working with Zac Goldsmith to ensure that this visionary scheme is implemented as soon as possible."

Both Esher and Walton MP Dominic Raab and Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry have previously spoken in Parliament about the packed carriages they experience commuting to Westminster.

Mr Berry said: "I’ve been pushing for Crossrail 2 to come to stations in Kingston since before I was elected because it is the only hope we have of dealing with the terrible overcrowding on our trains.

"Network Rail’s own study predicts a massive 40 per cent increase in passengers by 2043.

"And that’s without taking account of the fact that 20 per cent extra capacity is already needed to deal with overcrowding on peak services which frequently rank in the 10 most overcrowded services in the whole country."

Under the Crossrail 2 plans there would be up to eight trains an hour coming to New Malden, Kingston and Norbiton. Four an hour would take in Berrylands, Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Hampton Court, Malden Manor, Tolworth, and Chessington North and Chessington South.

Crossrail 2 would also include stations in Balham, Teddington, Hampton, Wimbledon and Epsom.

Dr Dix said: "There will also be thousands more seats on peak-time trains into Waterloo on the suburban and main line services from across the south west, because Crossrail 2 would free up space on those lines.

"We know that it’s a struggle for many rail commuters in the area today, peak-time services in from places like Surbiton and New Malden are packed.

"And the crowding will only get worse as London and the south east grows over the next 15 years. We have to plan ahead now."

The consultation runs until January 8 next year.

To take part email crossrail2@tfl.gov.uk or visit consultations.tfl.gov.uk/crossrail2/october2015/consultation.