Crossrail delivering on economic promises

A new report has said that Crossrail is ‘on course’ to deliver on its financial pledges and demonstrate ‘value for money’ for taxpayers.

In the most recent of studies into the £14.8 billion scheme, the National Audit Office has said that the ‘strategic need for Crossrail has become clearer over time’ and that the body delivering the new railway has “done well” to protect taxpayers’ interests.

Despite painting a positive picture of the project’s delivery so far, the report did highlight some areas of concern, including the delivery of the system’s new trains and appointment of an operator.

Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: “The sponsors and Crossrail Limited have so far done well to protect taxpayers’ interests, by taking early action to stop costs escalating and, during construction, tightly managing the programme.

“There is still a long way to go and the Department must continue to manage risks to protect its investment in Crossrail.”

The report indicated that although construction was running behind schedule, Crossrail Ltd is still confident it will meet the 2018 deadline.




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