Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 17 May (HL7494), whether they have investigated whether train manufacturers could build trains to give level access in the range 1000mm to 750mm.

There are no stations that will be served by Crossrail 1 trains that have a station platform height of 1000mm or 750mm.

The Crossrail rolling stock contract is held and managed by Transport for London (TfL), and therefore any conversations with train manufacturers regarding the specification of the Elizabeth line trains are a matter for TfL. However, Crossrail Limited have provided the Department with a summary of their findings concerning the possible use of trains with floor heights lower than 1100mm. Crossrail Limited identified significant problems that would have impacted upon the design of the train, such as a widening of the gauge profile which would result in unacceptable infringements on gauge clearances at legacy platforms.

As the future operator of the Elizabeth line, the operating costs for stations are a matter for TfL.

Crossrail 2 is under development. Detailed design requirements including platform heights will be considered as development progresses.