Crossrail for London City?

Sharp-eared listeners at last week’s House of Commons air transport networking reception heard Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill mention a link by Crossrail to London City Airport.  

Was it is mistake?  It was said very quietly. 

The answer it would seem is no.

The Minister has now been briefed on what seemed was an obvious oversight by railway people.  In fact the new line uses the same rail bed as the old North London service which had a stop called ‘Silvertown for London City Airport’.  It is less than 100 yards from the airport terminal entrance along a street that can be easily pedestrianised.  Estimates show that about the same number of passengers will use London City Crossrail as Excel Crossrail station, but spread over 12 months.  The extra platform can easily be incorporated by the time services start in 2017, adding two minutes to the schedule. 

Mr Goodwill pointed out that he had not seen the Airports Commission’s report.  "Better that way.  I might be tripped up by one of you!"  He said that the government would proceed "at pace" with the recommendations.

The event was hosted by the Airport Operators Association (AOA), British Air Transport Association (BATA), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Royal Aeronautical Society (RAes).   www.crossrail.co.uk

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