Elizabeth Line to open this month

Transport For London have revealed that the Elizabeth Line will open on May 24. Initially trains will run every five minutes Monday to Saturday.

Sundays will see further testing and software updates completed in preparation for the introduction of more intensive services in autumn.

Construction on the The Elizabeth Line, which now connects Reading in Berkshire to Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in south-east London, began more than two decades ago.

The line was officially named after Her Majesty the Queen following her visit to Bond Street Station in 2016.

The main construction phase was launched in 2011. Tunnelling for the new rail tunnels began in May 2012.

Andy Byford, Transport for London Commissioner, said: "The opening day is set to be a truly historic moment for the capital and the UK, and we look forward to showcasing a simply stunning addition to our network."

The Elizabeth line will transform travel across London and the South East by dramatically improving transport links, reduce journey times, provide additional capacity, and transform accessibility. The Elizabeth line will initially operate as three separate railways, with services from Reading, Heathrow and Shenfield connecting with the central tunnels from autumn this year.

The new line is set to be crucial to London's recovery from the pandemic, reduce carbon emissions and add an estimated £42bn to the UK economy.

Customers will be able to plan their journeys on the Elizabeth line using the TfL Go app and Journey Planner ahead of the railway opening.

All Elizabeth line stations will be staffed from first to the last train, with a 'turn up and go' service offered to anyone needing assistance. Step-free access is in place from street to train across all Elizabeth line stations between Paddington and Woolwich.

Andy Byford, Transport for London's Commissioner, said: "I am delighted that we can now announce a date for the opening of the Elizabeth line in May. We are using these final few weeks to continue to build up reliability on the railway and get the Elizabeth line ready to welcome customers. The opening day is set to be a truly historic moment for the capital and the UK, and we look forward to showcasing a simply stunning addition to our network."

The Elizabeth line will open on 24 May 2022 with full services across the entire route introduced by May 2023.

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