Elizabeth Line (CrossRail) opened 24th May 2022

i think vennia metro has auto turnback - where operator steps off and turns on speical control on platform and traun moves to turnback track the operator moves to other side track and turns on train to driver - train moves to other side platform but stops at where driver is standing at switch end - dirver boards and moves manually

Travelled from Paddington to Reading and back today on Crossrail trains.

Both were running without any roundels. Others just had one TfL Rail roundel at either end.

Not yet, but I imagine we'll get one within a couple of weeks.

Andy Byford has said that they have set a target opening date, but are not ready to reveal it yet, presumably because there's still a significant chance it may slip.

Diamond Geezer is reporting that the reductions in weekend night bus services that dovetail with the introduction of night Elizabeth line service are penciled in to take place on 14 May, which would suggest that is also the target date for starting night service on the Elizabeth line.

diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2022/04/night-crossrail.html?m=1

Of course, day service could be targeting a date before then, but probably not until after the local elections on 5 May due to election purdah rules. So that gives a rough idea of the range of days they _might_ be targeting.

But officially, the answer is "by 30 June".

It's the code that prevents politicians making announcements that will be helpful to them in the period immediately before an election.  So, as there are council elections in London on May 5th, we're in a period of purdah that would tend to make it unreasonable to do something like open Crossrail during the Purdah period.  Wiki (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purdah_(pre-election_period)) has a fuller description of it and how it works, including the exceptions.

Given the spirit of inclusivity that this forum follows, and the origins of the term, it's worth note that it's often termed simply "pre election period".

Thanks for pointing that one out; I'd never realised the origins of the term before. I think we would generally prefer the time leading up to an election to be referred to as the "pre-election period".

Pre election period does not convey the fact that activities that could be considered political are banned.

Regarding purdah...

I've always found it at least slightly odd that the word is used, but like it or not it is the standard term used in UK politics to refer to the pre-election moratorium on politically sensitive announcements in the run-up to an election. I'm not aware that anyone finds it offensive but I can see how it could seen so.  EDIT: I agree, though, that just because it currently is the standard term doesn't automatically mean it's right and certainly doesn't mean we shouldn't seek to change it.

Regarding opening Crossrail during purdah - it's been discussed at some length in various places. There's no clear prohibition on doing so, if that's when the date happens to fall, but it would have to be very low key without any political comment from e.g. the mayor. In practice, it seems likely, if not absolutely legally necessary, that the pre-election period would be avoided to avoid any possible perception of wrongdoing in this matter, as well as to allow some mayorial fanfare.

I rather think that challenging the original concept would be a better idea than shying from the word's political use.

Sweeping unpleasantness under the carpet has never been my cup of tea.

Can't say a date but all indications are that conveniently it will be after the local elections.

The Queen has already visited the line and received a roundel plate. It is clear she is not fit enough for another physical visit.

The line will open as soon as it gains all the approvals.

If the approvals come before then there is no point in delaying the opening.

The benefits of the new core stations to the network deserve to be in use as soon as possible.

I'm sure there will be night services at some point.

The tunnels are bi-directional and I witnessed trains running wrong way whilst working at Liverpool Street when only one tunnel was completed. The display screens above the doors were showing alternate Paddington and Abbey Wood trains.