Happy second anniversary, Transport for London (TfL) Elizabeth line! I took these photographs on Tuesday, 24 May 2022, when it opened to the public.

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1. Two years ago today, on 24 May 2022, Transport for London (TfL) opened the Elizabeth line to the public, revolutionising travel in the city. With trains running between Abbey Wood and Paddington in a brand new set of tunnels and existing services that had run under the TfL Rail brand between Liverpool Street and Shenfield and between Paddington and Heathrow or Reading also re-branded and incorporated into the Elizabeth line, Londoners experienced a new level of convenience. The new railway between Paddington and Abbey Wood provided a much better connection to Canary Wharf, Central London, and the West End, relieving the stress of commuting for many.

   On 6 November 2022, through-running on the Elizabeth line commenced, combining three separate operationally into a single line. Services ran from Abbey Wood to Heathrow, Maidenhead and Reading, and between Paddington and Shenfield. As a result, people no longer had to change trains at Paddington or Liverpool Street; a one-seat ride was much more convenient and straightforward.

   The third and final phase of the line came on 21 May 2023, with the introduction of a new timetable, which introduced direct services between Shenfield and Heathrow. As a result, people in places such as Stratford, Ilford, and Romford now finally have direct services to Heathrow. The timetable also increased peak hour frequencies to 24 trains per hour, with the auto-reverse function’s help, allowing westbound trains terminating at Paddington to reverse and re-enter service heading eastbound quickly.

   The line has not just been successful; it has also been a game-changer. One in six passenger rail journeys are now made on the Elizabeth line, a testament to its popularity and efficiency. The Elizabeth line has plenty of room to grow; we are proud to be part of this journey. A new station at Old Oak Common will be built, connecting with HS2 services. Proposals call for the Elizabeth line to be extended into Kent towards Dartford and Gravesend. Train frequencies could be increased to 30 trains per hour in the peak. The trains themselves could be lengthened to eleven coaches from the current nine. Here’s to the future and the continued success and growth of the Elizabeth line.

   This post showcases photos documenting the Elizabeth line’s opening day on 24 May 2022.

2. Have to say I love how modern it feels. It’s closer to the Japan metro than the other lines

3. Happy second anniversary elizerbeth line

4. Lizzie line looking absolutely busy (good thing) but they definitely need to work on easing the overcrowding

5. 2 years! I remember being so confused on the first day I used it. I got on my usual train to Liverpool Street and when it stopped at Whitechapel I thought I had somehow got on the wrong train. I was relieved to hear that Liverpool Street was the next stop but when we got there I was deep underground rather than terminating at one of the above ground platforms. I knew the Liz Line was opening so should have worked it out sooner but I had just got back from holiday and was jetlagged so took me a while.

6. The Lizzy line is the only reason I was able to start working where I do in West London! Happy birthday to it 🙂

7. It’s been two years already??

8. Does anyone else notice the shadows of bodies on benches at Farringdon station (and maybe others)? I assume it’s grease and dirt from people leaning on the walls but it looks like the Hiroshima shadows.