11 Conclusion - the future of the
project
242. The Government and the business community have
agreed that there is a need for a scheme such as Crossrail. Although
the Crossrail project has enjoyed support from most of London's
politicians and business community, it has been continually delayed
by wrangling over finance. The Prime Minister gave Crossrail the
green light with a £16 billion funding deal to secure the
construction of the project on 5 October 2007. We were told that
Crossrail would be funded by the Government, the private sector
and Crossrail fare payers, the cost being shared equitably amongst
them. The Promoter intends to continue to steer the Bill through
Parliament so that a single programme of construction can begin
in earnest in 2010, with an expectation that the first services
on the railway will begin to run on schedule in 2017.
243. Crossrail has long been in the background of
the capital's transportation development plans. Even before construction
begins this scheme has blighted the homes of hundreds of people
living on the proposed route. Londoners desperately need a new
transport system and it is hoped that Crossrail will be able to
deliver one.
244. During the last 22 months we have become
immersed in the intricate detail of this complicated piece of
legislation. Whilst we are now aware of the extensive information
available describing the Crossrail scheme and its expected impacts,
we remain concerned that members of the public may struggle to
locate information that is relevant to them. Every person affected
by the Crossrail Bill has the right to understand what it will
mean for them and their area. The Promoters must take steps now
and at every stage of this process to ensure that information
provided to the public is clear, accessible and comprehensive.
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