Crossrail announces shorter delivery timescale

Date: 2/9/2011

Savings could potentially be made if rolling stock is introduced to the new Crossrail network within a shorter timeframe than originally planned.

According to the developers of the rail line, if the period between the trains being delivered and them entering full operational service is reduced, operational costs will also fall.

Indeed, the team notes that should it stick to its original procurement timetable, the fleet would arrive too early.

In order to keep the costs bidders will meet down, Crossrail has announced that tender documents are likely to be issued in 2012 - later than the original plan to do this in the latter part of 2011, with the contracts being awarded in the tail end of 2013.

Around 60 new trains are needed to go into service on the network, which will link 37 stations from Maidenhead to Abbeywood.

These engines will be paid for by Transport for London at the point they are ready for entering passenger service.

Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director, says: "Crossrail has identified that significant operational cost savings, running into tens of millions [of pounds], can be realised for taxpayers [through the renewed timetable]."

Posted by Mary Treen