Crossrail

21.02.18

First Elizabeth Line trains run from Paddington for testing

The first Crossrail trains have started running from Paddington to Reading this week.

In a Twitter post from the Elizabeth line’s account, it was revealed that the new Class 345 trains are undergoing testing from Paddington to as far as Reading and Maidenhead.

 

The line, which will connect Reading and Shenfield to the Tube network, is expected to open at the end of this year.

Crossrail states that the whole project is now around 85%, and when finished will run from Reading to Heathrow to Shenfield and Abbey Wood.

Full opening is expected in 2019, when it will increase central London’s rail capacity by 10%, carrying half a million passengers per day – and will travel through 42km of tunnels under London.

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Comments

Bombardier Tilt   21/02/2018 at 17:59

Oh Whoopee! So soon we should be able to see these extended to Sudbury or even Southminster?? This will be utilising spare and redundant Class 309 trains, or even 310, 311, 321, 332, 334, 360 or 370? Or would trams be better....ho hum?

Frankh   21/02/2018 at 22:15

Bombardier, AJG would be proud of you, magnificent ideas.

Andrew Gwilt   21/02/2018 at 23:32

West London now seeing these new trains that will eventually operate in December this year. Been on these new trains and it’s very nice.

Aventra   22/02/2018 at 10:56

Pity they didn't stick with the original colour scheme as shown in the first picture, looks better thah the final livery.

Jak Jay   22/02/2018 at 12:25

42 km under ground nice one! and dont expect a comfortable seat either rock hard as in the rancid 700s and as to increasing capacity actually, more trains=more people so nothing improves the lot of the poor ripped of commuter

Andrew JG   22/02/2018 at 16:29

Most of the Class 345’s will be replacing the Class 315’s as some of the Class 315’s have been moved for storage as more Class 345’s have been delivered which are currently operating on TfL Rail Shenfield-Liverpool St service.

Mark Hare   26/02/2018 at 16:54

@Jak Jay - not sure exactly what your point is - are you saying the railway should all have been built on the surface or it shouldn't have been built at all... seems like you never have anything positive to say about anything on this forum. Personally I think the building of these new tunnels beneath London is an engineering marvel and to be applauded. I'm looking forward to the full service being introduced to 'improve the lot of the poor ripped-of commuter' (sic).

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