Credit: Crossrail Initiative
In our recent report, The Price of Progress: Enabling the Delivery of Critical Transit Infrastructure, we examine the escalating costs and complex challenges of transit construction in our region. The findings are clear: we need to refine our approach to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued past projects.
The Elizabeth line, formerly known as The Crossrail Project, is a marvel of modern engineering and urban planning. Stretching over 100 kilometers, this high-frequency hybrid commuter rail and rapid transit system has revolutionized London's transport network. The project, which began in 2009 and was completed in May 2023, introduced 10 new stations and significantly improved travel times and accessibility across the city.
The construction of the Elizabeth line was not without its challenges. In 2017, an audit revealed several issues that led to delays and cost overruns. In response to these challenges the UK’s Department of Transportation formed Crossrail International (CI). CI is a non-profit organization, employing eight staff members and 66 consultants. It leverages lessons learned from the Elizabeth line build to support transit projects worldwide. Their mission is to help transit agencies and governments avoid similar pitfalls.
To gain deeper insights into how the experiences from the Elizabeth line can improve future transit construction, including projects in our region, we spoke with Simon Bennett, Crossrail International’s Associate Director and Expert Adviser, Stakeholder Engagement and Learning Legacy.
Simon, thanks for the time. Why should government agencies and public transport authorities seek experience from the Crossrail International group when starting a new rail infrastructure project?
Simon Bennett: It's crucial for organizations to seek information from all projects in their peer group, but Crossrail International offers something unique. While most completed projects leave behind only the supply chain for consultation, we represent the client-level organization. We work peer-to-peer with governments and client organizations, offering insights from those who managed the Elizabeth line project at the highest levels. This perspective is invaluable for benchmarking programs and avoiding common pitfalls.
How does Crossrail International provide support to ensure different governments and transit agencies aren't starting from scratch?
SB: We aim to get involved at the earliest possible stage. In some countries, we've been part of creating plans for the entire industry. Our approach is to listen to what people think their challenges are, but we don't just accept that at face value. We bring in our experience to highlight aspects they may not have considered, especially for governments and organizations tackling projects of this scale for the first time.
What are some common pitfalls that governments and transit agencies often find themselves in if they don't seek expert advice early on?
SB: One of the biggest issues is unclear requirements. Often projects are conceived without asking the right questions. Instead of simply deciding to build a railway, the focus should be on how to support economic growth and transport people effectively. Without clear requirements, contracts are often poorly defined, leading to delivery issues.
Another significant challenge is systems integration. On the Crossrail Project, we initially expected contracting various system suppliers would result in seamlessly integrated systems. In reality, it requires a much more collaborative approach and strong client-side management to coordinate between suppliers effectively.
There’s no one size fits all approach for transit construction, especially because there are different standards for rail and transit construction worldwide. How does this impact projects?
SB: Lack of standardization can lead to significant inefficiencies and increased costs. For example, different track gauges can create "break of gauge" points where operations cannot continue seamlessly, requiring the shipment of goods and passengers to change trains. Different countries have developed their own signaling protocols, which means that a train equipped to run in one country might not be able to operate in another without significant modifications. This fragmentation requires additional investment in technology and training and often limits the interoperability of rolling stock across borders.
These differences create bottlenecks in the rail network, slowing down the movement of goods and passengers. For instance, in regions where multiple standards intersect, such as the border between Asia and Europe, freight can be delayed for days due to gauge changes. This inefficiency reduces the competitiveness of rail transport compared to other modes of transport, like road or air.
We'll continue to unpack ideas surrounding transit and movement of goods at our upcoming congestion symposium - secure your seat today.
Stuck: Tackling Toronto's Congestion Crisis
11:30 AM - 5 PM
In the next part of our series, we'll explore collaborative approaches to transit construction, managing political landscapes, and insights on future projects. We'll also discuss how Crossrail International's expertise can help ensure the successful completion of Toronto's major transit initiatives. Stay tuned as we continue our conversation with Simon Bennett, into the strategies and lessons that can shape the future of transit in our region.
