§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress with transport provision for visitors to the Millennium Dome. [56921]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonGood progress is being made on all aspects of the transport arrangements for the Dome. In particular, the Government welcome London Transport's recent appointment of Bechtel to manage the completion and commissioning stages of the Jubilee Line Extension. It is now planned to open the new line in three stages: first, from its eastern terminus at Stratford to the Dome at North Greenwich by the late Spring of next year, adding the next section through to Waterloo by late Summer and the final section through to Green Park by late Autumn, which will still be in good time for the opening of the Millennium Experience at the turn of the year.
City Cruises which will be providing river boat services from central London has placed orders for four new boats. The contract to build the new pier at the Dome has been let. London Central has been selected to operate the Millennium Transit bus service between Charlton railway station and the Dome via the Millennium Village. Railtrack is planning to improve the station and Greenwich will improve the road to provide a new bus turnaround facility. Part of the journey to the Dome will be over a segregated busway which it is proposed will incorporate electronic guidance.