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TfL chief targets Christmas opening for Elizabeth line

By Dimitris Kouimtsidis 26th Aug 2021

Local News

Local News by Dimitris Kouimtsidis 26th Aug 2021

December 24 is the new earmarked date by Andy Byford. Image Credit: Transport for London

Hanwell station is ready for the Elizabeth line after completing its renovation works. Image Credit: Transport for London

Acton Main Line station is ready for the Elizabeth line after completing its renovation works. Image Credit: Transport for London

West Ealing station is ready for the Elizabeth line after completing its renovation works. Image Credit: Transport for London

TRANSPORT for London commissioner, Andy Byford, has reportedly set himself the goal of getting the Elizabeth line open by Christmas.

According to the Evening Standard, the TfL boss is trying to make sure the long overdue Elizabeth line can open slightly ahead of the latest estimate.

The official timeline is for Crossrail to open in the first half of 2022, but Byford has now earmarked December 24 as a possible opening date.

Trial running has begun with four trains an hour, but that needs to increase to 24 with the final integration of the software that allows trains to communicate with the signals.

However, each stage requires sign-off by the Office of Rail and Road regulator, and the nine new stations are only gradually being completed.

Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild told the London Assembly: "Trial running is vital to unlocking the pathway to passenger service."

This comes after a series of upgrade works at three Crossrail stations in Ealing Borough – Hanwell, Acton Main Line and West Ealing – were completed in recent months, while work at Ealing Broadway station is due to be finished soon.