The Elizabeth Line
The Elizabeth Line, a GBP 19 billion expansion to London’s transport network, has created a 10% increase in rail capacity, reaching 200 million annual riders within its first year of operation.
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
Healthy cities, energy transition
Story Highlights
UTILIZED SOFTWARE
OpenPaths, LEGION
LOCATION
ORGANIZATION/COMPANY
Transport for London
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Elizabeth Line, a GBP 19 billion expansion to London’s transport network, has created a 10% increase in rail capacity, reaching 200 million annual riders within its first year of operation. Addressing severe congestion in this 100-kilometer line, Transport for London used advanced digital solutions such as Bentley’s OpenPaths and LEGION to optimize demand modeling, station design, and scheduling, making data-driven adaptations to keep up with evolving urban needs. These tools enabled the line’s phased opening, contributing to rapid reconfigurations that increased capacity and accessibility while saving costs. Shifting commuters from cars to rail has reduced CO₂ emissions by 24.6 million grams daily. The line has expanded the reach to central London, improved public safety, and boosted local economies. As a result, the Elizabeth Line demonstrates a blueprint for digitally enabled sustainable transit solutions, benefiting communities and contributing significantly to London’s GDP.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG Goal 1
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
SDG Goal 2
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG Goal 3
Good Health and Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG Goal 4
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG Goal 5
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG Goal 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG Goal 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
SDG Goal 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment, & decent work for all.
SDG Goal 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization & foster innovation.
SDG Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
SDG Goal 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
SDG Goal 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG Goal 13
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG Goal 14
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
SDG Goal 15
Life on Land
Sustainably manage ecosystems, combat desertification, reverse land degradation, & halt biodiversity loss.
SDG Goal 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Foster peaceful & inclusive societies, ensure justice access, & build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
SDG Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation & revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.