Transport for London has revealed that the services will begin on the 6th of November and will transform travel across London and further afield.
This next phase of the innovative and popular Elizabeth line will see trains operating direct services from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood and from Shenfield to Paddington.
November will also see the reopening of the brand new Bond Street Elizabeth line station which is located in central London's West End and will support London's ongoing recovery following the pandemic.
The new services will enable passengers heading from Reading and Heathrow with the ability to travel east to Abbey Wood without the need to change at Paddington. Passengers making their way from Shenfield will be able to head west to Paddington with no need to change at Liverpool Street. Customers travelling to onward destinations such as Heathrow Airport or towards Reading can do so by simply changing trains using the same platform at any of the central London stations.
The amalgamation of Elizabeth line services will provide substantial benefits for passengers who will experience reductions in journey times, extra capacity and improved accessibility with the line providing greater connectivity for employment, opportunities and leisure for London and the South East's communities. Those landing at Heathrow Airport will also benefit from the new services as travel can be made straight through to central London to locations such as Farringdon and Canary Wharf with journey times from just 36 and 45 minutes respectively at weekends, and 40 and 51 minutes respectively mid-week.
Elizabeth line services will be available seven days a week with Sunday services across central London also set to commence for the very first time from Sunday the 6th of November. Trains operating between Paddington and Whitechapel will see an increase in frequency from 12 services each hour with 22 trains every hour at peak times and 16 trains at off-peak. It is expected that by May 2023 the final timetable will be in operation and will see 24 trains each hour at peak times between Paddington and Whitechapel.
The step-free Bond Street Elizabeth line station will open before the new services come into force on the railway. The station brings a link to one of the busiest shopping districts in the country and will alleviate congestion at Oxford Circus station. The station features new ticket halls on the street level at Davies Street and Hanover Square, both have been designed to allow plenty of natural light. Further to the station improvements, Crossrail has worked in conjunction with Westminster Council to better the urban area which surrounds the station.
Monday the 5th of September will see extended opening hours in operation for the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Abbey Wood with services from approximately 05:30 to around 23:00.
Andy Byford, London's Transport Commissioner, said: “When we delivered on our promise to open the central section of the Elizabeth line in the first half of this year, I further promised that Bond Street station would open this autumn and that the next phase of the line opening would also be achieved within that timeframe. I am excited to see the Elizabeth line unlock quicker and better journey options, greater accessibility, and further connectivity to jobs and leisure for even more people. This will be another giant leap for London's public transport system, which supports economic growth in the capital and right across the country.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The opening of the new Elizabeth line has been a landmark moment, not just for London but for the entire country, helping to contribute £42bn to the national economy.
“It's great news that from November, Elizabeth line trains will run directly from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood, and from Shenfield to Paddington, seven days a week. Services running on Sundays through central London will also make thousands more journeys quicker, easier and more comfortable.
“This enhanced capacity on the Elizabeth line will play a crucial role in encouraging people to make the most of the capital and will help support businesses in the heart of our city.”
Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: “Just under three months ago, I had the pleasure of riding on the very first Elizabeth line service, which thanks to £9bn of Government investment, has already created 55,000 jobs across the UK, and will contribute £42bn to the economy and seen a whopping 11 million journeys.
“From November, even more passengers will be able to benefit from this fantastic line with the introduction of Sunday services, direct journeys to Berkshire and Essex and a brand new station at Bond Street.”
Ross Baker Heathrow Chief Commercial Officer said: “This is a huge step in boosting rail connections to the UK's hub airport directly linking Canary Wharf with Heathrow by rail for the first time. This gives our passengers and colleagues more choices to travel sustainably between Heathrow and London. I am delighted Heathrow will continue to be at the heart of a growing integrated transport network and our passengers and colleagues will reap the benefits.”
Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, said: “It's fantastic news that the Elizabeth line is reaching another milestone. London's transport network helps to increase footfall and supports the businesses and cultural institutions of the West End, and this improved connectivity and accessibility comes at a time when our members need it the most. World-class transport and infrastructure sends the message loud and clear that as a city, we are open to residents, workers and visitors.”
Dee Corsi, COO, New West End Company: “The highly-anticipated opening of the Bond Street Elizabeth line station this autumn will build on the successes of the station in Tottenham Court Road earlier this year. The delivery of a modern and efficient transport infrastructure will only further the West End's recovery, and allow our renowned restaurants, shops and bars to flourish.
“Overseas visitors, who are vital to the long term success of our recovery, will soon be able to travel directly from Heathrow Airport to the heart of the West End in just over 30 minutes. This influx of international customers, alongside an increase in domestic shoppers, will be a huge boost to one of the world's leading retail and leisure destinations.”
It’s been serving as far as Reading as TFL Rail for a long time. The so far INCOMPLETE (change at Paddington, Change at Liverpool Street) Elizabeth Line will one day be great. But not yet.
The change at Paddington platform 11 for heathrow 5 is a mess. The gates won’t take oyster and hordes of travellers wait until they are released. Two staff are permanently engaged answering queries