London to get “Crossrail”
London is set to welcome the largest addition to its transport system for more than 50 years following a green light for Crossrail, a new partly underground, east-west rail link for London.
As Europe’s largest civil engineering project, Crossrail is set to boost London’s public transport provision by 10 per cent, easing congestion on central London metro lines. With a capacity twice that of the Jubilee line, Crossrail will provide a high frequency, safe and comfortable rail service, carrying 78,000 passengers per hour in peak times.
Work will start in 2010 with services begining over a phased
12 month period from 2017. The line will be integrated into
TfL’s existing zonal system and all ticketing options, including Oyster, will apply. A premium fare above TfL zonal rates will only operate for the extension to Heathrow.
The £16bn rail link will run from Maidenhead and Heathrow west of London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east,
passing through the City, West End and Canary Wharf.
Set to open in 2017, it will play a vital role in ensuring that London continues to grow and prosper as a world city.
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Updated : May 26, 2008
