29.11.13
Crossrail 2 options get ‘stamp of approval’
A consultation shows huge support for Crossrail 2, with 95% of respondents in favour of the project.
Crossrail 2 will be key to relieving congestion and boosting economic growth, and could see trains running at a rate of between 30-40 an hour. Of almost 14,000 people surveyed, 84% strongly support or support a ‘regional option’ which could enable more trains on National Rail routes, with a combined underground and Overground railway. This could operate from Alexandra Palace and stations in Hertfordshire to locations across south west London and Surrey.
The other option was for a ‘metro’ style service, which 73% of respondents supported. This could operate between Wimbledon and Alexandra Palace (maps showing indicative route maps can be found below).
The two options consulted on will meet future rail needs better than the original safeguarded route, known as the Chelsea-Hackney line.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This consultation reveals that there’s a very clear stamp of approval for Crossrail 2 from Londoners and from business. People can clearly see the immense value of a project that will relieve pressure on suburban rail routes and on the Underground, as well as helping to spur economic growth in a key quadrant of the capital.
“In addition, if HS2 goes ahead, Crossrail 2 would provide a vital interchange at Euston which would be under significant strain from greater passenger numbers. The key question now is not whether Crossrail 2 should happen, but how quickly can we get it built.”
TfL’s managing director of planning, Michele Dix, said: “Crossrail 2 is vital if we are to support the predicted 10 million people that are expected to be living in London by 2031. The positive response we have received from the public and stakeholders for Crossrail 2 is really encouraging – it could be operational in 2030 but it is essential that work continues now to meet this target.”
Paul Plummer, Network Rail group strategy director, said: “London’s railways are already the busiest and most congested in the country, with many main lines operating at, or close to, capacity. Projects like Thameslink and Crossrail will make a real difference but we must also press on with schemes such as Crossrail 2 so that public transport continues to support and drive economic growth in and around the capital.”
TfL and Network Rail will together consider the Crossrail 2 consultation findings and will make recommendations on the next steps to the Mayor of London in spring 2014. If a decision is taken to progress, more detailed consultations would then take place.
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