Recommendation 18

The Department and TfL told us that, when the Elizabeth line opens, they expect it to increase rail capacity in central London by around 10%, reduce journey times, and be fully accessible.50 These were the transport benefits set out in the last published business case in 2011.51 TfL explained that the extra capacity would be useful as we emerge from the pandemic as the large stations and spacious trains would enable social distancing. Journey times to key destinations would significantly reduce, for example, the journey time from London Heathrow Airport to the City of London would reduce from 55 to 34 minutes. The line would bring 1.5 million more people within a 45-minute commute of existing major employment centres. All stations are fully accessible for passengers. Crossrail Ltd told us that there is “£42 billion of agglomerated business and personal benefit” to come from the Elizabeth line.52 TfL also told us that the Elizabeth line would contribute towards its plans to be net zero by getting cars off the road.53