Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said: “It is disappointing that the decision to delay the launch of Crossrail has been announced at such late notice. It is scarcely believable that the Mayor, TfL and Crossrail did not know of a likely delay a long time ago and chose not to let Londoners know sooner.
“The opening of Elizabeth line is rightly heralded as the biggest leap in London’s transport capacity for a generation. It will improve connections to the east and west of London and relieve crowding in central London. Passengers will be left to wait even longer for these benefits.
“We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Mayor’s Office, TfL and Crossrail to find out what has led to this delay and get some answers on behalf of Londoners.”
Gareth Bacon AM Chairman of the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee, which is currently investigating TfL’s finances, said:
“This is basically a shambles. Transport for London’s management have clearly known that they would delay the opening of Crossrail for some time and yet have been elusive when discussing their financial woes with the London Assembly and so with the people of London.
“TfL’s own business plan says that £143 million of fare revenue was expected from the central section in 2018/19 alone. This now leaves an even bigger hole in TfL’s finances. It already has a £1 billion operating deficit for this year. Hundreds of millions further will be lost in the coming year.”
Notes to editors
- Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, Chair of the Transport Committee
- London Assembly Transport Committee
- Gareth Bacon AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee, is available for interview.
- London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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