Crossrail: expensive white elephant or runaway success?

Christian Wolmar, well-known commentator on national railway issues, asks whether the Elizabeth Line was really worth the cost.

 Crossrail, now the Elizabeth Line, opened officially in 2022 and is the newest and most expensive railway line in the UK. It offers a connection from Reading right through the centre of London and beyond. But after all the hassle and the £18 billion, was it worth it?

Christian Wolmar is a writer and broadcaster specialising in transport who frequently appears on TV and radio talking about current transport issues, notably about the railways. He is the author of a series of books on railway history, including on Crossrail.

Reading u3a is delighted that Christian will be giving this talk in Reading. He is perhaps the best placed commentator to take us through the trials and tribulations that led to the Elizabeth Line’s construction and assess whether it was all worth it.