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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

Queen Elizabeth II, dressed in yellow, stands at a ticket barrier on the Elizabeth Line at a train station, with signage and staff visible in the background.

Story Highlights

UTILIZED SOFTWARE

OpenPaths, LEGION

LOCATION

United Kingdom

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)

SDG Goal 11 sustainable cities and communities.

SDG Goal 13 climate action.

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