This meeting took place on 5 February 2014. Read the transcript for the first section here and the second section here.
Crossrail is halfway to completion.
Six tunnel boring machines have completed 67 percent of the tunnelling and the central section should begin operating in December 2018.
This year, there will be more tunnelling, further station construction and the procurement of rolling stock and a maintenance depot contract.
It has cost £5.1 billion so far - the final cost is estimated at £14.5 billion.
According to the National Audit Office (NAO), it’s on track to achieve value for money - but what about the risks in awarding the rolling stock contract? What about the implications of Heathrow Airport Ltd failing to stump up its £230 million? And what about all the steps and the inaccessibility concerns?
The London Assembly Transport Committee wants answers, so they’ll be putting these and other questions to;
· Terry Morgan CBE, Chair, Crossrail Ltd; and
· Andrew Wolstenholme OBE, Chief Executive, Crossrail Ltd.
· Dave Ward, Route Managing Director (London and South East), Network Rail;
· Paul Harwood, Strategy and Planning Director [South], Network Rail;
· Jonathan Fox, Director of London Rail, TfL;
· Geoff Hobbs, Head of Planning, London Rail, TfL; and
· Shashi Verma, Director of Customer Experience, TfL;
The Transport Committee published a report into Crossrail in 2010[1] and since then it has held a meeting each year to check on progress with the project.
The committee will also question its guests about the recent rail disruptions, including the train performance failings in South London over the Christmas period and plans for future rail improvements in the capital.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 5th February from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Notes to editors:
1. Light at the end of the tunnel; the construction of Crossrail
2. Valerie Shawcross AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, is available for interview. See contact details below.
3. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.