Elizabeth line set to open in first half of 2022 with new services starting between Abbey Wood and Paddington

With the Elizabeth line scheduled to open in the first half of the year, this will be a watershed moment for Londoners. TfL is nearing the completion of the first phase of its Trial Operations before moving on to the next phase, which will include large-scale exercises over the new railway – an important step toward the Elizabeth line’s opening.

The transformative railway will shorten travel times, increase transportation capacity, improve accessibility, and bring a significant economic boost to the capital and its surrounding areas.

The Elizabeth line will support new housing and jobs across London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Essex with new stations and travel linkages.
Over the Christmas period, significant progress was made toward finishing the new railway, with scheduled modifications taking place and work continuing on the two state-of-the-art new stations that have yet to be handed over to TfL.

Along with the new Alstom train software, the latest Siemens signalling software for the railway was commissioned. Both the control communications system and the tunnel ventilation system were upgraded.

Thousands of volunteers will collaborate on the reaction to trial scenarios in the Trial Operations phase, which will include TfL and London Underground, MTR Elizabeth line (as the operator), and Network Rail.

The British Transport Police, London Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service will all be involved, displaying how they would respond to events on the network and in stations.

As a result, police, fire, and ambulance vehicles may be seen near stations at times, testing and simulating what would happen if their personnel were asked to respond.

Most days, including weekends, will be busy leading up to the launch of the Elizabeth line. Responding to trains, signalling, platform screen doors, and track simulators are among the other tasks.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The Elizabeth line will transform travel across London and the South East, benefitting millions and supporting hundreds of thousands of new homes and jobs.

“Its brand new trains and step-free stations will help us deliver a modern, truly world-class transport system that allows us to support the growth in London’s population over the coming decades.

“That’s why I’m delighted it is on track to open in the first half of 2022, in what will be a landmark moment for the capital.”

According to TFL, the Elizabeth line is exceedingly complicated, and the Trial Operations phase will continue until it is obvious that the highest levels of safety and dependability have been achieved.