Final Crossrail train delivery arrives in London
The last train ordered from Bombardier as part of a 70-strong fleet for Elizabeth Line services is on its way to London.
Alongside that milestone today comes a new software update. ELR 110 follows from the major ELR 100 update and aims to remedy any late bugs.
Transport for London are internally hoping for an early March start for services between Abbey Wood and Paddington. They’ve long hade enough stock for that (all 70 are required for full implementation in later phases) but do need to iron out software bugs.
Design
One thing that always stands out to me with the new Class 345 trains is how from the side they appear very close to 30-year old Networkers.
Inside they’re of course a lot different, as they are below. Aside from technical advancements, they are walk-through and have internal set ups designed for high frequency urban transport, with far fewer bay seats.
At Abbey Wood Class 465 Networkers do sit close to the new Class 345.
This final delivery today is seeing the train head to Old Oak Common which is the main stabling depot. There’s also Plumstead depot with eight tracks used for light maintenance.
Abbey Wood station was originally due to have Crossrail services stop in the middle for simple same-platform interchange. This was altered in part due to making access to Plumstead depot easier.
A number of trains ran in shortened formation of seven carriages into Liverpool Street due to platform lengths. They will all become 9-car.
The system does have provision for extension to 11-car in future.
The last Elizabeth Line train to arrive today had already been to London before, but was sent back for further testing. Today’s delivery ensures all 70 are now in London ready for the start of public service.
I hope the seats are more comfortable than those provided for other new trains?
I agree seats on new modern trains and buses are not that comfortable.
I hope the Elizabeth Line does gets to open in Spring 2022. (The year of our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee) which will see thousands of vistors travelling to the Capital for the celebrations covid pandemic permitting.
I hope Crossrail will get a start date of Spring 2022 with services from Abbey Wood and Woolwich to Paddington. I am also looking forward to the project being completed finished and operating a full service.
@John-Francis Friendship: I have ridden the “Crossrail” trains into Liverpool Street and out of Paddington. The seats are no more or less comfortable than other rolling stock, but I have plenty of padding.
As for Crossrail opening this year, start dates have come and gone so I set no store by the latest projection.