Young people celebrate their achievements

Young Crossrail Design a Carriage Project

Eight London schools along the Crossrail proposed route were joined by Crossrail's chairman, Sir Christopher Benson, to celebrate their designs for a Crossrail train on 10 March 2004 at 11.30am at London's Transport Museum Depot in Acton (opposite Acton Town tube station, Gunnersbury Lane, W3).

The curriculum related design project is jointly sponsored by Cross London Rail Links, Bombardier Transportation and London's Transport Museum.

It was launched last year under the supervision of Crossrail Education Consultant, Stephen Brice. Students were invited to take a behind the scenes tour of the Museum's Depot in Acton Town for inspiration. All work submitted receives feedback from staff at the Museum, Crossrail or Bombardier Transportation, a representative of whom will be flying in from Berlin for
the event.

Sir Christopher Benson, Chairman of Cross London Rail Links, the company charged by the Government to develop Crossrail Line 1, said he was very impressed by the high standard of projects.

'These young people are the passengers of the future - it is fitting they should be involved in designing a train which they will use in the future.

'Crossrail has broken new ground by involving those at secondary school age with the 'Design a Crossrail Carriage' project. I hope it encourages more people to use public transport and also more interest as engineering as a career. The country is short of engineers. I am also pleased to see that awareness in safety has been raised. '

Students were briefed to find design solutions relating to issues such as how to prevent vandalism, the design and location of seating, litter bins and luggage spaces. The train must also be able to cope with commuters, mass transit passengers and travel to and from Heathrow Airport. Students also had to bear in mind that the Crossrail network will ensure that it eases the
journey for those who have mobility difficulties.

March 12th 2004