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Monday 6 Feb 2012

FARRINGDON STATION STEPS CLOSER TO BECOMING LONDON'S NEWEST TRANSPORT HUB

Region & Route:

| Southern

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, was one of the first to use the newly reopened London Underground entrance at Farringdon following an eight-week closure to restore and expand this grade II listed station.

As part of the Thameslink Programme, Network Rail have worked with London Underground to deliver 36 new ticket gates, 20 new staircases, one new footbridge, nine new ticket machines, two new entrances with two new ticket offices and this restored entrance.

Standing in the newly reopened ticket hall, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Farringdon Station has already undergone a massive transformation, with a brand new ticket hall up and running, renovations to the entrances and many more improvements still to come. We are making vast essential upgrades to the transport infrastructure in the capital. By the time of the Olympics, this station will also be fully accessible with five new lifts, and before too long Crossrail will interchange here too, making millions of journeys easier for passengers."

This dramatic expansion is in preparation for Farringdon station becoming London’s newest transport hub as it will be the only station where London’s two biggest transport improvement programmes will meet.

Network Rail’s project director for Farringdon, Richard Walker, said: "From 2018 the revamped north – south Thameslink route will meet the new east – west Crossrail service, linking with existing Tube connections. With up to 24 trains an hour running in each direction on Thameslink and Crossrail, plus the Tube, Farringdon will be served by over 140 trains an hour.”

The Thameslink Programme is key for the future of London, allowing 50% longer trains to run, taking pressure off the Tube and delivering thousands more seats for commuter’s everyday.

London Underground’s programme sponsor for Thameslink, Jon Kirkup, said: “The new Farringdon Station will be a huge leap forward in integrating transport in London and providing another major rail transport hub for travellers. London Underground is more than ready to play its part in taking them to and from their destinations throughout the capital.”

Farringdon will provide links to three of London’s major airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, plus St Pancras International for Eurostar services, all while drastically reducing journey times.