Crossrail

Support the capital’s transport projects, says Network Rail

Network Rail has called on businesses in London to make more of a contribution towards the city’s transport system.

Robbie Burns, Network Rail's programme director for Crossrail, said that schemes like Thameslink and Crossrail, ‘pay for themselves time and time again’.
Mr Burns said: “In the new age of austerity the passenger’s interests and those of the taxpayer are not necessarily aligned. How many people in our country will write urging the Government to protect the railway when their local hospital might close? Do people want new trains or more police? Is Crossrail or Trident more important? There will be trade-offs. Make no mistake, there will be losers. And rail could be one of them.

“The investment that we fought so hard to secure still has a strong business case. Whatever the reality, London has a perception of having a poorer transport network than many of its competitors. We are challenging that but if we call a halt to investment, perception will become a reality. Our rivals will not stop improving and international business will vote with its feet.

“We all have a responsibility to fight for London’s public transport network or we will leave our fate in the hands of others. We should use every opportunity to enter the debate and inspire our businesses, our passengers and our politicians to make the case again for those rail projects that offer so much for London’s future.”

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