Dix: Crossrail 2 shows UK is “open for business”

Giving the green light to Crossrail 2 would help business relations in the wake of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Discussing the impact of Brexit, Michèle Dix, Managing Director - Crossrail 2 at Transport for London, said granting permission would “show this country is open for business and give confidence”.

Dix (pictured) also rebuffed suggestions that should the Government approve the plans - a decision is due in the autumn, delayed from May this year because of the snap General Election - it would send negative signals to other parts of the country, where infrastructure works have been called off owing to budgetary concerns.

“I think the key is there is a need to show support for all of these schemes,” Dix told RAIL at the Policy Forum for London conference dedicated to Crossrail and Crossrail 2.

“There’s a need for slight improvements in the North, there is a need for improvements in the Midlands, there’s a need for improvements in London, and it is ensuring the Government can demonstrate it is doing things in all three areas. Certainly, by us making Crossrail 2 more affordable, that helps that.”

She also described Crossrail 2, which connects Surrey with Hertfordshire ( RAIL 834), as “vital for London full stop”, adding that there would be “regular” closures to Tube lines once the second phase of HS2 opens without the new line.

It is intended that Crossrail 2 will be funded similarly to Crossrail 1 - a community infrastructure levy, and revenue from fares and an operating surplus.

However, Dix confirmed she is looking at other funding methods, telling RAIL: “We’ve also been looking at other models because lots of people have said ‘can you get private sector involvement?’ in not only lending us the money but whether or not the private sector wants to take some risk on taking some parts forward.”