First train on new line will be delayed...by nine months
“He now needs to take responsibility and explain to Londoners how he will clear up this mess. Sadiq Khan’s financial plans were hugely reliant on Crossrail opening on time, on budget and meeting incredibly optimistic passenger targets.
“He was warned in February that budget and time overruns were very possible, yet he seemingly has no contingency plan in place. It is Londoners who will have to pay the price for his incompetence.
“The mayor is now devoid of any financial credibility. Thanks to deeply irresponsible policies such as his partial fares freeze, the Transport for London budget is now almost £1billion in deficit.
“This delay will only make this financial black hole even bigger.”
When the line is fully open, trains will run from Reading and Heathrow in the west through 13 miles of new tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. Crossrail said the original timetable had been reduced by contractors needing more time to complete work in the central tunnels and develop software. The line would be in operation “as soon after the central tunnels open as possible”.
Simon Wright, Crossrail chief executive, said: “The Elizabeth Line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK.
“We have made huge progress but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway. We are working round the clock to complete and commission the line.” Janet Cooke, chief executive of watchdog London TravelWatch, said: “This news will be disappointing to passengers. But safety is of paramount importance so we understand the decision and are pleased they have not left it to the last minute to announce the delay.”