Crossrail is a large, complex programme to run a new direct rail line across London, known as the Elizabeth line and part of Transport for London’s rail and underground network.
The Elizabeth line is now in its final stages. It became clear in 2018 that the original schedule and cost estimate would not be met and the programme was reset with a revised funding package of £17.6 billion put in place to complete the programme.
But then in November 2019 and again in August 2020, Crossrail Ltd announced further delays and cost increases. In December 2020, Transport for London and the Department for Transport announced a further financing package, with passenger services now due to commence through the new central tunnel section in 2022.
Following a site visit to inspect progress and issues at one of the Crossrail construction sites, the Committee will question senior officials and executives at the Department for Transport, Transport for London and Crossrail on progress since 2019 and the reasons for further delays and cost increases since then. It will consider how well-placed the Crossrail programme is to start services for the latest deadline of 2022, and how the risks to securing the benefits and value for money from the programme are being managed.
If you have evidence on these specific questions in relation to the current costs and performance of Crossrail, please submit it below by 6pm Thursday 15 July 2021.