07.08.14
Crossrail services could be extended to Hertfordshire
Plans to extend Crossrail services into Hertfordshire are being considered by the government, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has revealed.
This morning he said that a feasibility study will look at how passengers from key commuter towns such as Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Harrow and Watford could save up to 15 minutes on their journey times via a new rail link between Old Oak Common and the West Coast Main Line.
Under the proposed changes, stations that could be served by Crossrail include Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford Junction, Berkhamstead and Harrow and Wealdstone.
The changes will not affect the timetable or planned service pattern for the existing Crossrail scheme, which is scheduled to be fully operational by 2019.
The DfT added that initial analysis suggests 40% of passengers travelling into London from the above locations finish their journeys within 1km of a Crossrail station, compared to just 10% within 1km of Euston. The link, therefore, would have the added benefit of reducing congestion at Euston, especially for passengers using the southbound Northern and Victoria lines.
During a visit to Farringdon station, McLoughlin said: “We are investing record amounts to build a world-class railway, so it is vital we seize every opportunity to make the most of these once in a generation schemes.
“That is why I have asked HS2 Limited to work closely with the Crossrail sponsors to look at extending Crossrail services to key destinations in Hertfordshire.
“Not only would this be a huge boost to passengers and the local economy, it would also provide flexibility when building HS2 into Euston, making sure we create a lasting legacy for the station.”
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