The Crossrail rail link from East to West in London will now be extended to Reading.
In a joint announcement by Transport for London and the Department for Transport, it was announced that the line would be extended to Reading and Twyford.
When the line opens fully in 2019, Crossrail will now serve a total of 40 stations along the entire route, with two trains an hour running from Reading.
Rail minister Stephen Hammond said: “Crossrail reaching Reading is further proof of our commitment to deliver a transport network fit for the 21st century. It will improve connectivity and deliver greater choice and convenience for passengers travelling into London.
It will also make better use of the already congested Great Western Main Line, freeing capacity for further improvements including potential direct services from Reading to Heathrow as part of the western access scheme.”
Hammond has also tasked Network Rail with a cost benefit analysis for increasing the number of fast trains between Reading and Paddington.
London Underground and London Rail managing director Mike Brown said: “Extending Crossrail to Reading will provide passengers with more journey options and will create better connections and direct services between Reading, Twyford and destinations across London without the need to interchange at Paddington.”
