Final Crossrail train accepted into traffic as milestone met
The 70th Elizabeth Line train out of 70 ordered has been accepted into traffic shortly before services are due to begin through the core in central London.
The milestone was met after seven years of planning, construction, testing and delivery.
Trains have been going through a process of extending from seven carriages to the planned length of nine when services open to the public through the central core.
This week there was halt to daily Crossrail testing though it’s now resumed. Trains are arriving and departing from Abbey Wood every five minutes.
Class 345 trains have been in service for some years already between Shenfield and Liverpool Street in the east, and in the west from Paddington.
Most stock is based at Old Oak Common though some will be stabled at Plumstead sidings constructed at the “White Hart Triangle” site.
Crossrail appear to have vacated their worksite beside Southeastern’s Plumstead sidings, and presumably it’s still owned by Network Rail.
The long term future of the site is unknown. I’ve long wondered if it could house expanded Southeastern sidings. Less of an issue post-covid of course.
It was formerly an extensive network of sidings for passenger stock, freight and a link to the Royal Arsenal’s extensive rail network.
Back to the present, and the Class 345’s reliability hasn’t been the best over recent years with a number of software updates aimed at improving the issue, with another installed over the Easter bank holiday.
Reliable rolling stock and signalling are crucial before the green light is given to open. Hopefully that light is given very soon.
The Crossrail Elizabeth Stations at Woolwich and Abbey Wood must have an opening date very soon. Changes to routes 129 180 469 and B11 have been announced for 14th May 2022 as confirmed on http://www.londonbusroutes.net. No mention of the extension of route 472 to Abbey Wood as yet.
I think the Elizabeth Line could open in June or July 2022. I wondered if there were secret plans by TFL open the Elizabeth Line to coincide with the Queen’s platinum Jubilee. As long as all testing complete and it is 100% safe to open the line.
The loss of the 180 between Abbey Wood and Lower Charlton to Lewisham is a major blow for residents and the local bus network.
That would be great Graham. As long as the new line is safe and all safety checks complete.
I think there needs to be a review of bus services in Bexley Greenwich and Lewisham. As the areas have seen massive redevelopment..Demand has increased significantly..The Elizabeth Line will be help and a boost for people commuting but many journeys are still completed by bus and not everyone able to use the train or underground.
The loss of the 180 to Lewisham will be a blow for residents in Abbey Wood and Lower Charlton. As no direct replacement from these areas. Extend route 380 to Abbey Wood may be?
Nooooo not the 380 back to Abbey Wood. Horrendous memories of being forced to use that as a nipper. World’s slowest bus. Perhaps up there with 469.
Keep the 180 to Lewisham and the 472 will soon provide direct link between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich.
That does mean something for the growing Greenwich Peninsula population. Ensuring walking isn’t dire would help, and using income from developments to improve frequency of existing routes? Increase CIL too to assist funding.
The 380 is currently a single decker, so would hardly be adequate and it already wends its way up hill and down dales.