After delays, Crossrail‘s Elizabeth line programme has now reached hand over to Transport for London (TfL) as the operator and maintainer of the railway
The process to handover the completed Elizabeth line rail infrastructure is underway, with Crossrail planning to start intensive operational testing, known as Trial Running, at the earliest opportunity in 2021.
The transition will simplify responsibilities, with a single Elizabeth line delivery group comprised of senior members of TfL, London Underground and Crossrail Ltd, under the chairmanship of transport commissioner Andy Byford.
Under the new arrangements Crossrail chief executive officer, Mark Wild, will report directly to Andy Byford.
To align with this next phase of the programme the responsibility for the governance of the Crossrail programme will now move to sit directly with TfL.
TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT), joint sponsors of Crossrail, have worked closely with Crossrail Ltd to agree the transition plan to move the project to TfL.
Moving into the final phases
Andy Byford, London’s transport commissioner, said: “I would like to thank Crossrail chair Tony Meggs and the Crossrail board who have led the delivery of this vital project through the remaining construction and systems testing to a point where increased testing of trains in the central tunnels will begin shortly.
“As it gets closer to becoming an operational railway the time is right for the responsibility for Crossrail to transfer to TfL and the people who will run it.
“Mark Wild and his team will now work with me to safely achieve the earliest possible opening date for what will be a magnificent addition to London’s transport network.”
Tony Meggs CB, chair, Crossrail Ltd, said: “As the Elizabeth line moves into its final phases we have always planned that the governance of Crossrail would transition into TfL, and now we are executing that plan.
“The new structures will simplify and align decision making over the coming months as the railway is brought to completion and commences intensive operational testing.
“I am very pleased that, in addition to the Crossrail executive team, a number of our highly experienced non-executive directors will continue to provide their support and expertise to the programme under the new governance arrangements; this continuity is vital.
“This is truly one of the greatest transport programmes in Europe today, and it will transform the lives of many people for generations to come.”
