Transport for London (TfL) has announced the next stage in the integration of the Elizabeth line (Crossrail), with direct trains from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood and from Shenfield to Paddington set to begin in November.
The much-delayed Bond Street Elizabeth line station is also set to open by November.
TfL said that from Sunday 6 November, the lines from Reading, Heathrow and Shenfield will connect with the central tunnels, opening up new direct journeys across the capital.
Passengers travelling east from Reading and Heathrow, who currently have to change at Paddington, will be able to travel directly to Abbey Wood, while those travelling on the Shenfield branch, which currently ends at Liverpool Street will be able to travel to Paddington.
Passengers travelling to stations that are not directly served from their starting station will need to change trains – on the same platform – at any of the central London stations.
Sunday services through central London will get underway for the first time from 6 November. The frequency of services between Paddington and Whitechapel will increase from 12 to ‘up to’ 22 trains per hour in peak times and 16 trains per hour off-peak.
TfL said the final timetable, which will see 24 trains per hour during the peak between Paddington and Whitechapel, is ‘on track’ to be in place by May next year.
It added that Bond Street Elizabeth line station – the only station not to have opened earlier this year when that the central section finally opened – is ‘in line’ to open ahead of the new services.
London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Byford, said: ‘This will be another giant leap for London’s public transport system, which supports economic growth in the capital and right across the country.’
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The Elizabeth line is not yet fully integrated
