Elizabeth line: Direct services from Reading and Heathrow to central London will begin in November
Businesses have welcomed the integration of Elizabeth line services from Heathrow, Reading and Shenfield from 6 November.
“The upgraded services will be greatly welcomed by businesses across the Capital that rely on footfall more than ever before to help them navigate their recovery from Covid, cost of living pressures and rising inflation,” said Ruth Duston, chief executive of London HQ.
Duston’s remarks were shared by Ros Morgan, chief executive at the Heart of London Business Alliance, who said the update will “support the businesses and cultural institutions of the West End.”
Customers coming from the airport or Berkshire will be able to travel to central London without changing at Paddington in under an hour while those eastbound will no longer need to change at Liverpool Street.
Bond Street station is also set to open this autumn, relieving congestion at Oxford Street.
From 5 September, the line will increase its opening hours – from 5.30am to 11pm – while services will run on Sundays starting 6 November.
London mayor Sadiq Khan explained that the update will help to “contribute £42bn to the national economy,” while Centre for London’s Nick Bowes added it will “revolutionise accessibility and getting around the city for many Londoners.”
After a delay of almost four years, the Elizabeth line was opened on 24 May, with services running from Abbey Wood to Paddington.
According to TfL data, more than 11 million journeys have been made on the Elizabeth line over the last three months.