Eight senior business leaders in a joint letter have urged the British Government to make a decision on the future of Crossrail, a transport scheme that would involve the construction of a 9km long tunnel between the east and west of London. They include British Airways Chairman Lord Marshall, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive Sir Peter Davis and Canary Wharf boss George Iacobescu.
Part of the letter reads: “Whatever the cyclical fluctuations, London’s economy is set to grow, particularly in Central and East London. But the existing transport system is already overloaded and the demand for new jobs cannot be met without Crossrail.”
Norman Haste, Crossrail Chief Executive, welcomed the support: “I recognise their concern … We have been in talks with the Capital’s business community and their views have been passed on to Government,” he said.
The letter, also voices concern that time is running out to include legislation for the scheme in the next parliamentary session.
Crossrail is a 50/50 joint venture company, formed by Transport for London (TfL) and the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). It has been allocated US$242M by Central Government to develop and promote two lines through London, including an east to west line that could involve up to 14km of tunnelling under the city.
