Transport for London has announced that, from the 15th December, TfL Rail will operate the stopper services between London Paddington and Reading.
Currently, Great Western Railway operates these services and is the next step in delivering the Elizabeth line.
Existing fares will apply between 15 December 2019 and 2 January 2020.
After the 2nd January 2020, passengers will be able to use contactless pay as you go between London Paddington and Reading.
From then, TfL Rail fares will be the same as the National Rail fares to Reading. Tickets are to be set at £24.40 for a peak adult journey between Reading and London Paddington, with the off-peak fare of £10.60.
During peak times, trains to and from Reading will run every 15 minutes. Two trains an hour will run every hour during off-peak times.
What did the officials say?
Howard Smith, Operations Director for TfL Rail, said:
‘Running TfL Rail services to Reading is an important step towards opening the Elizabeth line and reinforces the key transport links between these two areas for local people and businesses.
‘Customers will benefit from the free travel for under-11s and the convenience of pay as you go contactless fares from the New Year.'
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So I’ll be able to pay contactless on TFL trains, but not on GWR? If I travel one way on TFL, return on GWR, do I have to pay two single fares rather than one return?
Not sure on this, Andrew. Possibly best getting in touch with TfL or GWR on this one!
So from cramped 2 or 3 car turbos to move 4 or 8 387s with seats and toilets to 345s with next to no seats and no toilets. It’s like the TOCs don’t really want people on their trains.
If only 9-Car Class 345s can be allowed to use London Liverpool Street. Perhaps TfL Rail could use some of the 9-Car trains to operate on Liverpool St-Shenfield and Gidea Park services. But its good to see TfL Rail now running 6tph between London Paddington and Reading. With additional services to Maidenhead and Twyford.