Lead off question - Delays to Crossrail (Supplementary) [8]

Mike Brown MVO (Commissioner, Transport for London):  Yes, I do.  Of course, it is very appropriate the story is as it is today.  However, when the Elizabeth line opens this will be a fantastic addition to London’s infrastructure, adding 10% capacity in one fell swoop to the capital.  I do think within days, certainly within weeks, people will absolutely be celebrating its success and there will continue to be clamours for further investment in the capital’s infrastructure.  The Independent Affordability Review report, which was commissioned jointly by the Mayor and the Secretary of State, looking into Crossrail 2 has pretty much finished its work.  That will continue to be reviewed and looked at.  I am very confident the need for Crossrail 2 is very real and that we will be able to continue to support its delivery with the Mayor and colleagues in the Greater London Authority (GLA). 

Florence Eshalomi AM:  Mike, you will be aware that the Canary Wharf Group had a clause that was linked to delays on the Jubilee line.  Is there a similar clause for the Canary Wharf Group on this?

Mike Brown MVO (Commissioner, Transport for London):  No, it is an entirely different arrangement with this line.

Florence Eshalomi AM:  Yesterday myself and other Transport Committee Members met with Gareth Powell [Managing Director ‑ Service Transport, TfL] and Geoff Hobbs [Director of Public Service Transport Planning, TfL] to discuss the new central London bus network consultation that is due to start.  As part of that consultation Geoff explained the fact that pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, as we all know, is not going ahead and TfL will have to change its plans.  Are there any contingency plans to look at the bus network across that central area of London based on this delay?

Mike Brown MVO (Commissioner, Transport for London):  Clearly, we are not going to implement those changes that were directly related to the assumption that the core of the Elizabeth line would have opened until it opens.  However, the vast majority ‑ as I know you will have been briefed yesterday because I had an update following that meeting ‑ of these changes were consultations out, with the impact of Crossrail changes because, of course, bus changes are based on many factors in central London.  Not least of those is the proliferation and frequency of mini‑routes that make no logical sense, and actually cause bus‑on‑bus impendence and delays, and take no recognition of the huge investment and success of reliability of the Tube network, for example.  However, of course, we are very keen and conscious that there are many parts of outer London where, in line with the objectives of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, we need to be enhancing and encouraging public transport journeys with the bus network.  I can absolutely assure you that we are very cognisant of any changes directly related to the assumptions around the Elizabeth line core opening.

Florence Eshalomi AM:  Thank you.  That is all from me, Chairman.