New full peak timetable for Elizabeth line improves connectivity and access for UK business travellers
Starting on Sunday, May 21st, 2023, the Elizabeth line will introduce its full peak timetable, bringing increased train frequencies and extended peak times to improve connectivity for UK-based business travellers.
During peak hours, trains will now run every two and a half minutes between Paddington and Whitechapel, with frequencies increased to up to 24 trains per hour in both directions, giving commuters a quicker and more efficient journey to their destination.
During off-peak hours, the frequency will be 16 trains per hour, ensuring business travellers can still get to their appointments on time.
In addition, the frequency of trains between Canary Wharf and Abbey Wood will be restored to a train running approximately every five minutes, with 12 trains per hour during peak hours, and the peak time period itself will be extended, increasing capacity even further.
The Elizabeth line will also run all day between Shenfield and Heathrow Airport (Terminal 5) for the first time, with two trains per hour providing direct connectivity between Essex, east London and west London.
For those travelling from Liverpool Street National Rail station (platforms 15 -17) to Gidea Park, there will be additional peak time services, providing a faster route for those exiting to Bishopsgate.
Meanwhile, Reading will see an increase in peak services, with some trains that were previously operated by Great Western Railway transferring to become Elizabeth line services with reduced stops.
As part of this new timetable, there will be no significant pauses for trains between Paddington and Acton Main Line, reducing journey times between Reading and Paddington and improving journey times for those travelling from the west into central London.
Furthermore, Heathrow Airport will receive more frequent services, with a total of six Elizabeth trains per hour all day, stopping at Terminal 2&3, with four per hour continuing to Terminal 4, and two per hour continuing to Terminal 5.
Heathrow Airport has also improved its signage, making it clearer for customers, particularly those visiting London or using the Elizabeth line for the first time.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
Delivering the Elizabeth line has been transformational for our city, with hundreds of thousands of Londoners and visitors now enjoying the fast and reliable trains each day.
The introduction of the final timetable next month marks the last milestone of the Crossrail project and will enable the Elizabeth line to provide even more frequent, speedier journeys and better connect the capital.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:
The Elizabeth line has transformed the lives of Londoners and the experience for visitors to the city in just under a year of TfL operating the service.
With this new timetable, those travelling through central London will have a train arriving around every two and a half minutes, those using Heathrow Airport will have more regular services, and time will be shaved off many journeys from Reading, Heathrow and into central London.
Those on the east will also benefit from twice hourly services to the airport, linking Essex and west London on the line for the first time.
Wednesday, May 24th, 2023, marks one year of Transport for London (TfL) operating the Elizabeth line, and more than 140 million customer journeys have taken place so far, with around 600,000 journeys being made each weekday.
This demonstrates the Elizabeth line’s increasing popularity and importance to London’s transport network, providing a valuable resource to UK-based business travellers.
