The Elizabeth line has led to a major economic boom with over 500 million journeys made on it so far. In just two and a half years it has become the single busiest railway service nationwide.
The journeys have helped create jobs, build homes, and boosted the economy in other ways, according to Transport for London (TfL) and design firm Arup. It opened in 2022 and cost around £18.9 billion to create.
The data adds that 90 per cent of those surveyed said the line positively impacted their areas. The Abbey Wood branch has seen an 11 per cent increase in access to employment and the area has emerged as one of the largest regeneration areas in London, with a six per cent increase in new homes.
Ninety per cent of those surveyed said the line positively impacted their areas
TfL numbers also show that between 2015 and 2022 there were 378,000 jobs created within one kilometre of Elizabeth line stations. During this period, the highest job growth in central London occurred around Liverpool Street station.
‘Game changer’
Sadiq Khan has described the Elizabeth Line as a ‘game changer’
(Image: Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit)
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, said: “The Elizabeth line has been a game-changer for the city, transforming travel in London and unlocking investment through the creation of new jobs and homes. With its growing popularity, the Elizabeth line is proving itself to be essential to London and the UK’s transport network and helping to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.
“The evidence from the success of the Elizabeth line is clear – when you invest in high-quality transport infrastructure it can provide huge benefits for increased jobs, growth and the new housing we need in London and across the country.”
‘Truly transformed life in London’
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The Elizabeth line has truly transformed life and travel in London and the South East by dramatically improving transport links, cutting journey times, providing additional capacity, and transforming accessibility.
“The findings from these reports confirm that the railway is powering important regeneration through new jobs and homes. As we look ahead to the next 500 million journeys, we will continue to focus on improving things for our customers, to ensure we remain London’s most popular railway.”
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