Tfl Elizabeth line: '£140m Network Rail plan' to tackle disruption, says Sadiq Khan

A new plan has been announced to tackle service issues that have plagued the Elizabeth line over the last six months.

Following a meeting on Monday (February 26), London mayor Sadiq Khan says Network Rail is allocating nearly £140 million in a bid to address infrastructure issues on the line west of Paddington.

The mayor's office said in a statement: "Work will begin immediately to reduce disruption to the network, with work to stabilise the issues taking place over the next six months

"The following 12 months will see longer term improvements to the network to tackle the key causes of disruption, which will be followed by work towards sustaining and renewing the network."

Mr Khan met with representatives from Network Rail, TfL and MTR, which operates the Elizabeth line.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said “The Elizabeth line has been transformational, seeing well over 4.5m journeys every week, but it’s clear that the recent performance on the Elizabeth line has been below the high standards set when the railway was opened.

“I have been absolutely clear with Network Rail, MTR and TfL that the issues we have seen over the last six months are not acceptable. I am pleased that they have brought forward a comprehensive plan to resolve the problems on the line, and I will continue to hold them to account.”

MTR Elizabeth line managing director Mike Bagshaw said: “We had a constructive meeting with the mayor of London and MTR continues to work closely with all our rail partners to improve the reliability of the Elizabeth line. We welcome Network Rail’s announcement and are working closely with them to provide the access required to deliver the planned Thames Valley infrastructure improvements, whilst also minimising any disruption to our customers’ journeys.”

Network Rail is a partner on the Elizabeth line - which is part of the Transport for London (TfL) network - and is responsible for infrastructure that it shares with national rail services.

The £140 million is coming from Network Rail's existing budgets, with £104 million set aside from its 2024-2029 investment budget.

Mr Khan's office said no additional taxpayer funding has been requested.