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Post by selbiehouse on May 24, 2022 15:35:39 GMT
I sampled the new line this morning. My first concern was the length of the walk from the Elizabeth Line to station exits and other lines. At the stations I used this turned out to be quite reasonable. A very high staff presence at all stations - what will they all be doing on a normal day, I wonder? When my Northern Line train arrived at Tottenham Court Road passengers were advised they they could change for the Central Line - nothing else. Presumably it will take some time to update the on train announcements. The on-line timetable shows the service for Monday to Saturday with no reference to Sunday. is there a Sunday service? The infrastructure and trains I found most impressive. All platforms except at Abbey Wood are designated A and B. The only nonsense I spotted was at Paddington where, despite three down escalators all working, it was apparently only possible to open the gates by one third. There is signage above every pair of platform doors. The signage is good allowing for TfL's great faith in their passengers' eyesight. There are no track-side station name roundels.
The in train displays are good. In the interim, when on an Elizabeth Line train it could be confusing to be told to change at Liverpool Street for the Elizabeth Line. Abbey Wood and Custom House are the only open air stations. On leaving Abbey Wood a glimpse of the depot is possible. |
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Post by xtmw on May 24, 2022 15:49:14 GMT
I sampled the new line this morning. My first concern was the length of the walk from the Elizabeth Line to station exits and other lines. At the stations I used this turned out to be quite reasonable. A very high staff presence at all stations - what will they all be doing on a normal day, I wonder? When my Northern Line train arrived at Tottenham Court Road passengers were advised they they could change for the Central Line - nothing else. Presumably it will take some time to update the on train announcements. The on-line timetable shows the service for Monday to Saturday with no reference to Sunday. is there a Sunday service? The infrastructure and trains I found most impressive. All platforms except at Abbey Wood are designated A and B. The only nonsense I spotted was at Paddington where, despite three down escalators all working, it was apparently only possible to open the gates by one third. There is signage above every pair of platform doors. The signage is good allowing for TfL's great faith in their passengers' eyesight. There are no track-side station name roundels.
The in train displays are good. In the interim, when on an Elizabeth Line train it could be confusing to be told to change at Liverpool Street for the Elizabeth Line. Abbey Wood and Custom House are the only open air stations. On leaving Abbey Wood a glimpse of the depot is possible. Thanks for this - it looks really impressive. You may have just got on a train where the announcements haven't been changed, I'm not sure they have been changed. |
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Post by xplaistow on May 24, 2022 17:37:24 GMT
Now that the line is open, my profile picture is finally accurate. For context and without going into too much detail, this picture is something I whipped up a few years ago using the colours of all the tube lines, Overground, DLR and (because I wanted to future-proof it) Elizabeth line overlapped vertically and horizontally.
Anyway, it all looks great and I can’t wait to have a ride on it myself. Hopefully I won’t have too long to wait as I hope to be in London on Saturday.
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Post by roman80 on May 24, 2022 18:09:37 GMT
Anyone else notice there is no WiFi or phone signal on the line, despite it being mentioned as being built with this capability? Just based on one trip, 541pm ex Canary Wharf to Paddington, but surprising.
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Post by Chris M on May 24, 2022 18:18:31 GMT
I heard somewhere (I can't remember where) that they were having problems with the wifi causing issues with the signalling system (or something like that). I don't remember whether phone signal was the same issue. selbiehouse there is no Sunday service at present - they're using the time to do the testing necessary to enable the integration of the three services. |
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Post by Chris L on May 24, 2022 18:36:50 GMT
The only nonsense I spotted was at Paddington where, despite three down escalators all working, it was apparently only possible to open the gates by one third. The in train displays are good. In the interim, when on an Elizabeth Line train it could be confusing to be told to change at Liverpool Street for the Elizabeth Line. On leaving Abbey Wood a glimpse of the depot is possible. The announcements about changing at Liverpool Street and Paddington are very specific. A lot of people were using the up escalators from the platforms beside the three down escalators from the entrance. I think this is why they were restricting the number of gates. There are only sidings at Plumstead. Some engineering vehicles are based there. |
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Post by Deep Level on May 24, 2022 19:58:19 GMT
Am I the only person who was a bit disoriented by the lack of noise/echo, it's just felt a bit odd given what I'm used to when underground.
The noise dampening panels really do the job well.
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Post by Chris L on May 24, 2022 20:32:01 GMT
Am I the only person who was a bit disoriented by the lack of noise/echo, it's just felt a bit odd given what I'm used to when underground. The noise dampening panels really do the job well. It's what happens when you invest in a new railway. The ride is exceptional and the speed is incredible. It's also the bits you don't see like the ventilation/escape shafts. The fans are massive - you can see how big as the building beside the street entrance at Liverpool Street has been demolished and and the upper floors of the tower can be seen. Another great feature is the platform level equipment rooms which are essential to the operation of the railway are located off the ends of the platforms with fenced off walkways to allow 24 hour access. |
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Post by jimbo on May 24, 2022 20:44:21 GMT
What happens to trains at Bond Street? Line speed, crawl, or stop and restart? Is there work underway on the platforms, or do they look complete?
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Post by t697 on May 24, 2022 21:03:18 GMT
A conspiracy theorist might think the multiple failures on the SSR lines, London Overground and other LUL lines today were intended to show the Elizabeth line in a very good light!!!
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Post by Chris L on May 24, 2022 21:04:20 GMT
What happens to trains at Bond Street? Line speed, crawl, or stop and restart? Is there work underway on the platforms, or do they look complete? Train slows down. There were guys working on the platforms with access controlled by a marshal. The roundels have vinyls over the bar. Alternating STATION CLOSED and OPENING SOON. |
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Post by jetblast787 on May 24, 2022 21:12:35 GMT
Am I the only person who was a bit disoriented by the lack of noise/echo, it's just felt a bit odd given what I'm used to when underground. The noise dampening panels really do the job well. Yes, it does feel very sterile compared to the Underground.
In fact, I would go as far as saying that I'm going to miss the 'randomness' of the Underground! |
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Post by t697 on May 24, 2022 21:37:37 GMT
Am I the only person who was a bit disoriented by the lack of noise/echo, it's just felt a bit odd given what I'm used to when underground. The noise dampening panels really do the job well. The rolling stock's main line style sealed windows and sealed plug doors must be doing much of the sound deadening when you are on the move. No LUL train is sealed to external noise as much, even S stock. It will be interesting to see whether the track develops corrugation like too much of the Tube.
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Post by Chris L on May 24, 2022 21:49:05 GMT
Am I the only person who was a bit disoriented by the lack of noise/echo, it's just felt a bit odd given what I'm used to when underground. The noise dampening panels really do the job well. The rolling stock's main line style sealed windows and sealed plug doors must be doing much of the sound deadening when you are on the move. No LUL train is sealed to external noise as much, even S stock. It will be interesting to see whether the track develops corrugation like too much of the Tube.
The trains have been running up and down the track since 2018, initially just one bore (but in both directions then). The track seems to have stood up pretty well. |
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Post by AndrewPSSP on May 24, 2022 23:45:46 GMT
When my Northern Line train arrived at Tottenham Court Road passengers were advised they they could change for the Central Line - nothing else. Presumably it will take some time to update the on train announcements. Part of me hopes when they get round to changing it Celia just announces "National Rail services"  |
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Post by t697 on May 25, 2022 5:32:48 GMT
When my Northern Line train arrived at Tottenham Court Road passengers were advised they they could change for the Central Line - nothing else. Presumably it will take some time to update the on train announcements. Part of me hopes when they get round to changing it Celia just announces "National Rail services" It won't be "National Rail services". New announcements start in a day or two and will take a while to be installed across the 106 Northern line trains. |
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Post by spsmiler on May 25, 2022 11:33:42 GMT
A conspiracy theorist might think the multiple failures on the SSR lines, London Overground and other LUL lines today were intended to show the Elizabeth line in a very good light!!! LOL, what few people saw was the scrum at one of the stations (Liverpool St I think) to get up the escalators, people were queuing in the passageway - with a second queue for the inclined lift! btw, the real issue here was not the number of passengers but that one escalator was sealed off / not in service!!! |
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Post by spsmiler on May 25, 2022 13:55:40 GMT
To start my day exploring the Elizabeth line I travelled to Whitechapel. Below is a little video taken at Whitechapel, Canary Wharf and part of the rode between these stations. I also published on Twitter a few photos... (two tweets below) twitter.com/ citytransportin/status/1529207393921507329 twitter.com/ citytransportin/status/1529208308233641985 edit to add a question: Did anyone see the 'doors closing' flashing lights on the platform screen doors? |
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Post by trt on May 27, 2022 10:47:14 GMT
Am I the only person who was a bit disoriented by the lack of noise/echo, it's just felt a bit odd given what I'm used to when underground. The noise dampening panels really do the job well. The rolling stock's main line style sealed windows and sealed plug doors must be doing much of the sound deadening when you are on the move. No LUL train is sealed to external noise as much, even S stock. The sound of the new section of NL tunnel at Bank is very noticeable - it goes from a hollow bass heavy sound to being dominated by stiff high frequencies which vanish as the carriage rolls into the new platform which I think must have similar sound absorbing panels, then the reverse as you roll back out into the old metal tunnels. I can't say, though, that I've ever noticed such a distinct soundscape on the Jubilee line as it goes into the extension. Anyway, it's good that they've look at acoustic experience seriously for the new line. |
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Post by spsmiler on May 27, 2022 20:43:04 GMT
The quietness compared to the LU network is quite something - almost a novel sensation in its own right.
When walking along one of the long interchange passageways I took advantage of there being no-one else visible and released my inner child to try the 'echo' test.
The result? Not a hint of an echo!!
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Post by jimbo on May 28, 2022 0:39:14 GMT
Not mentioned so far is the return of trains to the 1878 Connaught Tunnel, east of Custom House, for the first time since the 2006 withdrawal of the North Woolwich service. Have they managed to keep the tunnel dry, since it used to flow like a waterfall! Will this be the oldest part of the new line?
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Post by jimbo on May 28, 2022 0:50:38 GMT
TfL Commissioner Andy Byford has told Modern Railways: On the possibility of Crossrail 2, the proposed north east to south west route across the capital, Mr Byford recalled the comments of Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Elizabeth Line’s official opening ceremony on 17 May, where he suggested the country should be getting on with building Crossrail 2. While TfL had previously paused development of proposals for Crossrail 2, with the route safeguarded, Mr Byford said he had told his team to ‘start dusting off the plans’. link But don't hold your breath! |
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Post by Chris L on May 28, 2022 5:58:44 GMT
Not mentioned so far is the return of trains to the 1878 Connaught Tunnel, east of Custom House, for the first time since the 2006 withdrawal of the North Woolwich service. Have they managed to keep the tunnel dry, since it used to flow like a waterfall! Will this be the oldest part of the new line? They drained the dock to refurbish it. One section got a complete new roof as well as other remedial work to the structure. They were worried that there might have been unexploded wartime bombs in the dock. This contains a video about the work. www.crossrail.co.uk/project/tunnelling/railway-tunnels/breathing-new-life-into-the-connaught-tunnelLinda Miller was previously a military helicopter pilot and is a fantastic project manager. |
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Post by norbitonflyer on May 28, 2022 6:32:37 GMT
Not mentioned so far is the return of trains to the 1878 Connaught Tunnel, east of Custom House, for the first time since the 2006 withdrawal of the North Woolwich service. Will this be the oldest part of the new line? The section of line between Plumstead and Abbey Wood, including Abbey Wood station, opened in 1849. The route was weidened from two tracks to four for Crossrail. Aaway from the newly-opened section, the Great Eastern and Great Western Main lines were both opened in the 1830s. |
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Post by d7666 on May 28, 2022 13:47:12 GMT
Not mentioned so far is the return of trains to the 1878 Connaught Tunnel, east of Custom House, for the first time since the 2006 withdrawal of the North Woolwich service. Interestingly AIUI "Connaught Tunnel" is one of the text strings available for internal PIS displays on S-STOCK. No-one seems certain why it was ever included. |
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Post by brigham on May 28, 2022 14:48:29 GMT
TfL Commissioner Andy Byford has told Modern Railways: On the possibility of Crossrail 2, the proposed north east to south west route across the capital, Mr Byford recalled the comments of Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Elizabeth Line’s official opening ceremony on 17 May, where he suggested the country should be getting on with building Crossrail 2. While TfL had previously paused development of proposals for Crossrail 2, with the route safeguarded, Mr Byford said he had told his team to ‘start dusting off the plans’. link But don't hold your breath!Both Byford and Johnson seem to be indulging in a little wishful thinking here. Londoners might finally be rejoicing at the long-delayed opening of the Elizabeth Line, but a good proportion of 'the rest' are still not convinced that London really needed a new tube at all. It might sit better if some regional transport schemes were given precedence, before further investment in yet another New Tube for London takes place. |
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Post by d7666 on May 28, 2022 17:33:11 GMT
It might sit better if some regional transport schemes were given precedence, before further investment in yet another New Tube for London takes place. Let the provinces have 230s and 484s and 769s. We'll have XR2 XR3 XR4 etc; these even come with ready made names - Fiesta Line, Escort Line, Sierra Line.  |
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Post by trt on May 28, 2022 18:17:53 GMT
The Nova Line would be confusing for Spanish tourists.
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Post by jimbo on May 28, 2022 20:19:39 GMT
Not mentioned so far is the return of trains to the 1878 Connaught Tunnel, east of Custom House, for the first time since the 2006 withdrawal of the North Woolwich service. Will this be the oldest part of the new line? The section of line between Plumstead and Abbey Wood, including Abbey Wood station, opened in 1849. The route was weidened from two tracks to four for Crossrail. Aaway from the newly-opened section, the Great Eastern and Great Western Main lines were both opened in the 1830s. The routes may be old, but is there any infrastructure to be seen from the Elizabeth Line trains today that is pre-1878? |
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Post by goldenarrow on May 28, 2022 20:30:24 GMT
Whilst they have since been incorporated into wider formations, the original elements of Wharncliffe Viaduct (1838), Maidenhead Viaduct (1839) and Sonning Cutting (1840) are still very much part of the operational railway now being traversed by Crossrail. The current iteration of Hanwell station is also believed to have been rebuilt around 1875-77.
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