The much-awaited opening of the Bond Street Elizabeth line station took place this morning, Monday, 24th October, when the first Elizabeth line services arrived at the station at 05.47.
London's Transport Commissioner, Andy Byford, was joined by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, Katherine Fletcher MP, to welcome some of the first customers at the new station, whilst visitors to the station were treated to a live performance by Rosie Graham, who performed a song from the National Theatre's new musical version of Sleeping Beauty, Hex.
Elizabeth line services will run every five minutes, and from Sunday, 6th November peak times services will increase to every three to four minutes. Next Sunday, 30th October, there will be no service, but after that, the Elizabeth line will operate seven days a week.
Bond Street station has two lifts to street level that provide step-free access from street to train. The station has two new ticket halls with plenty of natural light, and both entrances feature columns that help the station fit into their surroundings.
The Davies Street entrance has an angular bronze ceiling that provides decorative detailing and acoustic absorption, whilst the Hanover Square entrance has a 60-metres-long escalator which is the longest at an Underground station on the Elizabeth line and the second longest on the TfL network.
Three abstract artworks have been created by British artist Darren Almond for the spaces above and around the station's western ticket hall escalators at Davies Street. They resemble the embossed metal nameplates once carried by steam locomotives.
In the five months since the line opened on 24th May, over 27 million journeys have been made on the central section, and more than 54 million journeys in total. With the opening of the new station, travel times from Bond Street to stations such as Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf are 8 minutes and 15 minutes respectively. Customers can use TfL's Go app and Journey Planner to plan their journeys on the line.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I'm delighted to be here today as the spectacular new Elizabeth line station at Bond Street opens to passengers for the first time. The spacious, stylish, and step-free station at Bond Street is a huge boost for our retail and hospitality businesses and will radically improve travel across London and the South East by providing a new link to one of the busiest shopping districts in Europe ahead of the festive period. I can't wait for Londoners and visitors to our capital to experience this beautiful new station for themselves.
“The opening of the Elizabeth line by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Paddington in May was a landmark moment, not just for London but for the entire country. It is playing a crucial role in our recovery from the pandemic and delivering a £42 billion boost to the UK economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of new homes and jobs. The Elizabeth line is helping to build a better London – a fairer, greener, and more prosperous city for all. I'm so proud of this new line.”
Transport Minister, Katherine Fletcher, said: “Just five months after officially opening, the Elizabeth line has shown itself to be a beacon of British success, delivering more than 54 million journeys and creating 55,000 jobs.
“The opening of Bond Street station is only set to build on this success, servicing over 140,000 people a day and better connecting Londoners to the UK's biggest shopping areas and the heart of the legendary West End. I'm delighted to be here today and immensely proud of the role the Government has played in making this a reality through our £9 billion investment.”
Andy Byford, London's Transport Commissioner, said: “This new station is the jewel in the crown of the West End's transport provision. It is truly spectacular. I promised that Bond Street would open in autumn, and we have delivered on that promise. It is now set to serve as a significant new link to one of the most popular shopping districts in Europe, just in time for the busy festive period this year.
“When I came to TfL I set two clear priorities, one of which was to get the Elizabeth line open without further delay. Today's opening, after years of hard work, marks the completion of the central section of the Elizabeth line, which now includes 10 world-class new stations. I am also pleased that through journeys from the east and west into central London are now less than two weeks away.
“It has been a huge privilege to have served as the Transport Commissioner for this incredible city. I am proud to have worked alongside a great team to get this station open and complete the railway. I encourage everyone to visit and use it as our capital continues to chart a bright future.”
Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, said: “It's fantastic news for the West End that the Elizabeth line is reaching another milestone with the opening of Bond Street station.
“This step-change in improving connectivity and accessibility comes at a time when our members need it the most. London's ability to drive growth for the rest of the UK depends on a clean, safe, modern, and well-funded transport system. If it is easy, accessible and enjoyable to get around then this supports the businesses and cultural institutions of the West End.
“Investment in world-class transport and infrastructure like the new Elizabeth line sends the message loud and clear that as a city, London is open to residents, workers and visitors.”
Dee Corsi, Interim CEO, New West End Company, said: “Today's opening reflects and enhances the importance of London's West End to Britain's economy. The new Bond Street station serves the heart of one of the world's most popular shopping and leisure districts, linking us to the most advanced rail line of any global city centre.
“By carrying millions of visitors and commuters into the West End every year, it will further enhance our district and encourage continued investment.”
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Westminster City Council's Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality, said: “The Elizabeth line is a marvellous and very welcome addition to our vital transport infrastructure.
“It's an early Christmas present for our retailers, restaurants, theatres, bars and other businesses who have had such a tough time these past few years. Nowhere else can compete with the magic of the West End and now it's even easier for people from right across London to get to it and enjoy everything it has to offer.”
Bennie Gray, Founder of Grays Antiques, said: “This station opening is such a great pleasure. Crossrail is an astonishing engineering achievement which is right up there with the work of Brunel and Stephenson. I hope that the opening of the new Bond Street Elizabeth line station will encourage those who plan and control its future to make sure that Mayfair's historic, distinctive and almost legendary status is nurtured and preserved.
“Having watched the construction unfold on our doorstep, our family of 100 antique and jewellery dealers are overjoyed at the opportunity for connectivity that this new station opening will bring with it. We hope to welcome Christmas shoppers from far and wide through our doors on Davies Street.”
I’m happy that Bond Street station is now officially opened. I have been on the Elizabeth Line and I hope that some trains from Shenfield will soon operate from the 6th November.