Efficient transport systems are the key to reducing travel congestion and disruption.

Crossrail represents probably the most important infrastructure development for the capital and the UK as a whole.

There are serious implications in not building Crossrail.

Congestion on an already overcrowded system will worsen and conditions for passengers will suffer.

There is also the possibility that, faced with a transport infrastructure not meeting the dynamic needs of an expanding city, international business will relocate to Europe, away from the UK altogether.

However, business has also said that it does support Crossrail and is prepared to meet some of the cost.

Crossrail will:

	Establish a brand new network of services linking areas across London and beyond.
	Allow existing suburban rail services to run through London.
	Reduce overcrowding on Underground lines as well as reducing congestion at a number of busy National Rail stations.
	Provide a major boost to the development of London's integrated transport network.
	Ensure that features such as full access for people with restricted mobility are included as an integrated part of the design.

By bringing about these improvements, Crossrail will make a significant contribution to tackling the problems facing the infrastructure of the South East.