The new line will connect Reading in the West to Shenfield in the East slashing journey times, journey costs and easing capacity on other TfL services and on National Rail. Each train will be able to carry up to 1,500 passengers which will increase London’s rail capacity by 10% and bring with it new to connections to communities across London and beyond. 

John Dickie, Chief Executive of London First, said:

By connecting airports, offices, homes, shops and leisure activities more quickly, easily and accessibly, the Elizabeth line will be transformative for Londoners and visitors alike.

This project is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when business and all levels of government work together for the good of the national economy.

With a quarter of carbon emissions coming from transport and the project’s supply chain contracts awarded up and down the country, it is an investment in both a net zero future and levelling up. The Elizabeth line is a project the whole country can be proud of.

Benefits that extend beyond London

The new line will bring £42 billion to the UK economy and has created more than 55,000 jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships over the past 14 years with over 5,000 of these jobs given to previously unemployed workers. Ninety-six percent of contracts for the project have been awarded to companies within Britain, with 60% of these going to businesses based outside of London.

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, said:  

As iconic as its namesake, the Elizabeth line is a beacon of British success, not just for this marvel of engineering but for the enormous benefits it brings to the entire nation with £42 billion for the UK economy and 55,000 jobs just 2 of many.

London’s transport network is its lifeblood and the £9 billion we’ve contributed to make the Elizabeth line a reality is once again testament to our unwavering support for this marvellous city, its inspiring people, and the millions of visitors it attracts every year. 

An Opportunity to Learn

Despite the delay, the Elizabeth line highlights the skills and capabilities we have in our sector to deliver large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. When looking to other projects across the UK, the Crossrail Project will be one that is full of best-practice as well as lessons learned that can enable better delivery – whether it be upgrading a rail station, part of the road network or delivering active travel infrastructure.

Not only does this project have benefits for the sector, but Government and TfL too should use this as opportunity to realise the true benefits of such a scheme and, as such, guide future investment.

Commuting Has Changed

Since the Pandemic, there has been a change in where people work from and therefore how they commute, with many working on a hybrid basis and only commuting to the office on select number of days per week. This means that crowded trains and capacity issues seen pre-pandemic might be a thing of the past with ridership on the London Underground down 35% compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, the Elizabeth Line will look to the future and will aim to shape the was in which we travel!

Did you make it along today for the opening? Share your thoughts on CIHT Connect.