01.06.17
Launch of Crossrail trains pushed back by TfL
The introduction of the new Crossrail trains to run on Elizabeth Line services has been pushed back to this month, TfL has today confirmed.
Trains were supposed to be rolled out on services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield by the end of May. But now TfL has said that commuters will have to wait until later in June to see the new trains enter passenger service.
Howard Smith, TfL’s operations director for the Elizabeth Line, said: “The train is undergoing thorough testing, assurance and approvals before it enters passenger service shortly.
“Good progress is being made and we anticipate testing being completed within the next few weeks. “We continue to work closely with Bombardier, Network Rail and MTR Crossrail.”
Smith also confirmed that around 11 Elizabeth Line trains were being prepared to be rolled out from now until September along that part of the line, once the new train is in action.
The line between Liverpool Street and Shenfield will be the only part of the project to run services until next May, when services between Paddington and Heathrow terminal four will open.
Last month, upgrades on the Great Eastern Main Line were completed in preparation for Elizabeth Line trains to start running on the track.
And in April, RTM reported that major works to the ceiling of the Crossrail stations at Farringdon and Liverpool Street had been completed.
Today’s news also comes the same week that the High Court ruled that Heathrow would not be able to charge TfL to run Elizabeth Line trains going to the airport via the Heathrow Express.
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.