The new Elizabeth line in London, which had been expected to open in December, has been delayed.
The railway line is now expected to open through central London in autumn 2019, Crossrail Limited announced.
Crossrail claimed the revised schedule is needed to complete the final infrastructure and extensive testing required to ensure the Elizabeth line opens as a safe and reliable railway.
Simon Wright, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages.
“We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway.”
Transport for London (TfL) recently published the results of a consultation on bus changes once the Elizabeth lines opens, with services altered to reflect the expected passenger numbers which would be carried on the rail service instead.
Geoff Hobbs, Director of Public Transport Service Planning at TfL, said: “Last year we consulted on changing buses near the Elizabeth line to reflect how demand for buses in London has changed and will change in the future.
“Now that Crossrail Ltd has confirmed that the Elizabeth line will launch next autumn we’re now reviewing the timing of these changes to ensure they are as beneficial as possible.”
