BAA agrees funding for Crossrail project

Airport operator BAA has agreed to provide a £230 million funding package to help the development of Crossrail, the new public transport project for London.

In return, Crossrail will guarantee regular fast train services that will provide access from Heathrow Airport to central London, the City, Canary Wharf and east London.

Running from Maidenhead to the west of London to Abbey Wood in the east, the Crossrail project will see new stations created at Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Canary Wharf and other locations.

Transport minister Andrew Adonis said: "Crossrail is the largest addition to the transport network in 50 years, and today's announcement that BAA has confirmed a £230 million funding package for the project represents a major step towards its delivery."

BAA strategy director Mike Forster added: "This vital new link will directly connect the City and Canary Wharf to the airport, complementing our existing Heathrow Express service and taking thousands of cars off the roads. Crossrail will be crucial in keeping London and the UK globally competitive."

Work on Crossrail will begin in 2010 and the system is expected to be operational in 2017.

The project will lead to a ten per cent increase in public transport capacity across London and provide faster airport connections for passengers.

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