Crossrail services see Abbey Wood station usage almost double

The advent of Elizabeth line services at Abbey Wood has seen passenger numbers almost double since late May.

Figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request show that the first full month of Elizabeth line services in June saw 393,482 journeys.

The last full month before Crossrail begun in April 2022 had 220,368 passenger journeys when Southeastern and Thameslink were calling at the station.

The line opened on 24th May, and May saw an uplift to 294,893 journeys.

If we head back a year, June 2022’s nearly 400,000 journeys compares to 170,110 in June 2021.

Abbey Wood could be on for five million passenger journeys if that 400,000 number continues at a steady level, though it should rise. Firstly, Sunday services on the Elizabeth line should begin in coming months alongside earlier and later trains.

There were also days when neither Southeastern, Network Rail or Crossrail was running which will be an unusual event in future.

That would mean passengers will be somewhat higher than pre-pandemic levels of 3.825 million in 2019/20 – despite the local population reducing as homes were demolished for rebuilding in Thamesmead.

Southmere Village housing development in Thamesmead is now nearing completion on the former Tavy Bridge area.

Towers at Abbey Place few metres from the station on Felixstowe Road continue to progress.

Work is set to begin nearby on another major development at the junction of Eynsham Drive and Harrow Manorway. The former car wash has been stripped and the site fenced off.

This will bring almost 300 homes, a new premises for PDSA vets and shop units.

And finally plans are now in for 329 homes at Binsey Walk, as covered yesterday on this site.