What the Grand Paris Express is for the capital of France, the Elizabeth Line is for the city of London. Both are mega rail transport projects. In London, the Elizabeth Line is a small revolution in public transport. This project, which has swallowed up some £20 billion, is a super metro - similar to the RER - that runs for around 100 km through London including 42 km of new tunnels. A line that includes 41 stations on an east-west axis.
The opening of this enormous infrastructure took more than three years late. According to Crossrail Ltd, the operator in charge of the line, this was due to major difficulties with software, track signalling and equipment installation. The Covid crisis, which has brought the British economy to a standstill, will certainly also have played a role.
An ideal route for business travellers
On 30 June 2022, the first phase of the line will finally be open to the public. During this phase, east London will benefit from the line as far as Paddington station. The autumn will see the inauguration of a second phase heading west, in particular towards Heathrow airport..
Business travellers will be able to go from the headquarters of banks and insurance companies to Canary Wharf, the eastern extension of the City, to the airport in just 40 minutes. By 2023, Reading and Heathrow in the west will be connected to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via Paddington and Liverpool Street stations.
Stops at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road will provide access to the heart of London and connections with the rest of the Underground network.
Among the innovations for passenger comfort, all 41 stations will be step-free right up to platform level. Trains will be quieter and more spacious, with dedicated areas for wheelchair users and luggage. Up to 24 trains an hour will run during rush hour on the central section.
No extra charge
As for fares, the public transport authority has (for once) some good news for users. According to TfL (Transport for London), prices should be the same as for the rest of the transmission network.
It has to be said that public transport fares in London are already among the most expensive in the world. What's more, they've just increased the average price of a ticket from 10 to 30 pence since March... And the special off-peak fares have been abolished!
