Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
The Elizabeth line services will open in stages as different part of the line are...
Conclusion
The Elizabeth line services will open in stages as different part of the line are completed. Services have been running on the eastern and western ends of the line (under the brand name ‘TfL Rail’) since June 2017 and May 2018, respectively.41 Crossrail Ltd expects the central tunnelled section to open between February and June 2022 and will operate a shuttle service between Abbey Wood and Paddington.42
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.3 All external communication is clear that the opening window for the Elizabeth line continues to be the first half of 2022. This marks the point at which the central tunnel opens to passengers from Abbey Wood to Paddington. The remaining stages will be delivered in a staged approach. In autumn 2022, services from Reading and Heathrow are due to start operating directly to Abbey Wood. At this time services from Shenfield are due to start operating through to Paddington. The final milestone will see full end to end services from Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east through the central tunnel to Reading and Heathrow in the west open no later than May 2023 to align with National Rail timetable changes.