Crossrail Chief Executive Mark Wild outlines plan to complete the Elizabeth line (May 2019)

Summary

Mark Wild, CEO of Crossrail, expresses disappointment over the delayed Elizabeth line opening, originally planned for December 2018. He outlines the remaining tasks, including completing tunnel work, station system hookups, and software readiness. The line is now expected to open by the end of 2020, with a trial running phase to ensure safety and reliability. Wild emphasizes the transformative impact of the Elizabeth line on London's transport, promising transparency and commitment to the project.

Takeaways

• 🚇 The Elizabeth line's opening has been delayed from December 2018.
• 😟 CEO Mark Wild expresses disappointment over the delay.
• 🏗️ Work is ongoing at stations like Tottenham Court Road to complete the project.
• 🛠️ The project is being resequenced and re-prioritized for efficiency.
• 📅 The new target for opening the railway is the end of 2020.
• 🔄 Two phases remain: completing tunnel work and Trial Running phase.
• 💻 Software preparation for state-of-the-art digital trends is part of the remaining work.
• 🔍 Trial Running phase will intensively test the trains and systems.
• ⏱️ There's a window of uncertainty due to the quality of Trial Running.
• 👥 The team is committed to transparency and working towards an early opening.
• 🚀 The Elizabeth line will increase London's rail capacity by 10%.

Q & A

Who is Mark Wild and what is his role in the Elizabeth line project?

Mark Wild is the Chief Executive Officer of Crossrail, responsible for getting the Elizabeth line open.

What was the original planned opening date for the Elizabeth line?

The original planned opening date for the Elizabeth line was December 2018.

Why was the December 2018 opening not achieved?

The script does not specify the exact reason, but it mentions disappointment that the opening did not occur as planned.

What is the significance of the Elizabeth line for London and its residents?

The Elizabeth line is significant as it impacts homeowners, retailers, and millions of customers in London and the Southeast, enhancing transportation.

What has Mark Wild been focusing on for the past four months?

Mark Wild has been focusing on finishing the work at stations like Tottenham Court Road and resequencing and re-prioritizing the program.

What are the two phases of work left to complete the Elizabeth line project?

The two phases of work left are completing the work in the tunnels and stations, and preparing the software for the state-of-the-art digital systems.

How long is it expected to take to complete the remaining work in the Elizabeth line project?

The remaining work is expected to take the rest of the calendar year to complete.

What is the Trial Running phase and why is it important?

The Trial Running phase is an intensive period where the trains are tested to their maximum capability, bugs are removed, and safety and reliability are ensured.

When is the Elizabeth line expected to open after the Trial Running phase?

The Elizabeth line is expected to open at the end of 2020, although efforts are being made to bring this date forward.

What risks are there that could potentially delay the opening of the Elizabeth line?

The risks are related to the quality of the Trial Running phase, which will occur in the early part of the following year.

How does Mark Wild plan to keep stakeholders informed about the progress of the Elizabeth line?

Mark Wild plans to be transparent, providing updates as key milestones are achieved and as the window of uncertainty narrows over the coming months.

What is the anticipated impact of the Elizabeth line on London's rail capacity?

The Elizabeth line is expected to transform transport in London by adding 10 percent to rail capacity.