Elizabeth Line (CrossRail) opened 24th May 2022

Deep Level , I know that there have been tests down to T5 relatively recently. I was speaking to a technician the other day at work, he wasn’t too optimistic. I can’t quote directly as it isn’t suitable for broadcast, but there are underlying issues with getting the software signed off for 9 car operation to Reading. Contingency plans are in place to use 7 cars if that doesn’t materialise but that could meddle with the revised schedule for getting trains into service for example to Heathrow.

I would find it hilarious if HEX get their 387’s into revenue earning service before the 345's at the December timetable change. Bombardier would have been out done by their own yesteryear product!

Yes, and yet that hasn't stopped some bets being placed. Like Crossrail, this could turn out to be a costly Christmas for some!

I have no idea what the current game plan is for getting the 387's with HEX now that I've gone part time. Last time I checked, it was a phased introduction from the 2019 Dec timetable change through to the end of 2020.

I cannot recall whether the process of mods from a signalling and train protection aspects differs from the two stocks, here are two excerpts for an application to the ORR for exemption from certain legislation earlier this year which makes me think so:

I think some people are mixing up 378's with 387's - absolutely the 378's longitudinal seating would not be welcome on the HeX service!

The 387's however have a very different seating layout - and include some 2 + 2 around tables

I was lucky enough to be invited to have a look at the Crossrail areas of Farringdon station yesterday.

Entry was via the Barbican entrance which looks very good.

The escalators were working and the incline lift is complete.

The station is virtually complete and is most impressive.

Some more 9 car trains are being reduced to 7 cars to replace the 315s.

It has been announced that Bond Street will be non-stopped when services start running on the tunnel section.

Sounds to me like the original staged opening, just delayed awaiting the central London tunnel stage!

Mixture of speculation (at best) and a slight misunderstanding on the part of the writer. 

With regards to the penalty, I believe there are some meetings due to take place/going on with the Canary Wharf Group, although I don't know to what extent.

Getting trains to reverse at Whitechapel from Essex towards S.E London won't bypass any of the issues that are currently giving the project grief.

Several lines (MET, Northern, Central, Piccadilly, District) show diagrams of other branches of the line where there is no direct service (see below).

Heathrow Terminal 4 Underground station by bowroaduk, on Flickr

Any meetings with Canary Wharf could get interesting in that there are possible counter claims for the materials they used for the station.

From photo's in article, I notice there is a long way to go for step free access to trains from platforms!

That image somehow looks like it has had the signage edited in, just look at the top of the sign!

Admin comment: Linking to an original image and crediting it is fine. Rehosting it without credit would not be.

I seem to recall that this is what was done at Highbury & Islington when the East London Line section had opened but services to Clapham Junction had not yet commenced.

Based on Carto Metro the only reversing options are trailing crossovers immediately west of Whitechapel and a shortish distance east of TCR. It seems very unlikely these would be able to cope with any volume of traffic.