Four companies have been shortlisted to run Crossrail services from May 2015 when Transport for London takes over services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield
When fully operational in 2018, Crossrail will connect 37 stations linking Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
TfL say the service will increase rail based transport in the capital by 10 per cent and “set the benchmark for passenger experience for European metro services.”
Crossrail will be fully integrated into the TfL network with interchanges for the Tube, DLR and London Overground services.
LIke the highly successful and popular London Overground service, it will be let as a concession with TfL setting fares and service standards.
The companies shortlisted to bid are: Arriva Crossrail Limited, Keolis/Go Ahead, MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited and National Express Group PLC.
Announcing the shortlist, Howard Smith, Crossrail Director of Operations, said: “We are a step closer to appointing an operator for Crossrail. As our population grows faster than forecast, the case for stable and sustained investment in London’s transport network has never been stronger.
“Crossrail will help cut journey times across the city and will achieve internationally recognised high standards of reliability, train frequency and customer service. Crossrail will make it easier for people travelling across the capital, helping create jobs and supporting growth and regeneration along the route.”
