Transport for LondonCrossrail
Artist's impression of a Crossrail train
In the central part of the line between Paddington and Liverpool Street 24 trains an hour will run in each direction.
For more information visit the Crossrail website.
Benefits
Crossrail will reduce crowding on many Tube routes and the network in general, increasing the Capital's public transport capacity by 10 per cent.
It will also bring benefits of at least £37bn to the country.
The route
Crossrail will link some of the most productive parts of the UK economy
Running from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, through the City, West End and Canary Wharf, it will link some of the most productive parts of the UK economy.
Next steps
Services are planned to start in 2017.
Powers to build to line should be secured in Summer 2008, once Crossrail has gone through the parliamentary approval process.
Background
Crossrail is a project of national signifance and will be Europe's largest civil engineering project.
Crossrail is essential for London and its transport capacity
It is essential for London and the economy, and is the cornerstone of any future plans to manage the Capital's transport capacity.
