Our story

The Elizabeth line – connecting families, friends, colleagues and communities

At MTREL, we believe in the power of London’s railway network to connect families, friends, colleagues and communities.

The Elizabeth line is the most significant addition to London’s transport network in a generation, providing new journey options, cutting travel time and supporting regeneration across the capital.

Customers can travel direct – Reading/Heathrow to Abbey Wood, and Shenfield to Heathrow via Paddington – in record journey times, with up to 24 trains per hour running within Central London.

With around 4.1 million journeys made each week, we are incredibly proud to be part of this transformative new railway, providing world-class customer service and performance.

The Elizabeth line story

  • MTR awarded the Crossrail concession.

  • TfL Rail (the precursor to the Elizabeth line) launched between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield using the Class 315 fleet.

  • TfL Rail services introduced between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals 2/3 and 4 using Class 360 trains, absorbing the existing Heathrow Connect service and part of the Great Western inner suburban service to Hayes & Harlington.

  • TfL Rail services introduced between London Paddington and Reading – bringing all Thames Valley main line services into MTR Elizabeth line operations – ready for the launch of the Elizabeth line.

  • TfL Rail formally rebranded as the Elizabeth line, coinciding with the opening of the Central Operating Section (COS) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on Tuesday 24 May 2022.

  • We bid farewell to our former eastern workhorses, the Class 315s. Read more.

  • Through running services introduced from Abbey Wood to Heathrow/Reading.

  • May 2023 timetable introduced with direct services from Shenfield to Heathrow Airport.

  • Winner of the National Rail Award 2023 Passenger Operator of the Year.
    Learn more

Find out more about Elizabeth line services on TfL’s website.

Visit TFL's website
Before and after

Upgrading our stations

As well as operating Elizabeth line services, MTR Elizabeth line delivered major station upgrades across our network as part of the Crossrail Programme’s On Network Function Requirements (ONFR) and On Network Station Improvement (ONSIP) Programmes.

Works included:

  • Constructing new station buildings and waiting facilities
  • Installing new lifts and enlarging entrances
  • Replacing finishes, improving station ambiance
  • Installing new lighting, signage and wayfinding
  • Renovating exterior of existing buildings
  • Remodelling ticket halls and ticket offices
  • Installing new gatelines
  • Removing clutter throughout each station
  • Reinstating derelict buildings

Acton Main Line

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After

Brentwood

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Chadwell Heath

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Ealing Broadway

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Hanwell

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Hayes and Harlington

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Ilford

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Iver

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Manor Park

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West Drayton

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West Ealing

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