MTR Crossrail marks first year of TfL Rail operation

New Class 345 Elizabeth line trains

MTR Crossrail has celebrated its first year operating TfL Rail which will form the eastern branch of the Elizabeth line from 2018.

New Class 345 Elizabeth line trains

On the 31 May 2015, MTR Crossrail began operating TfL Rail services between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield. This has become a major milestone towards operating Elizabeth line services.

According to MTR Crossrail, since it took over operation there has been a 27.7 percent reduction in Network Rail delay minutes compared with the same period last year and more than a 45 percent reduction in fleet cancellations compared to equivalent periods for the previous year.

Introduction of Class 345 trains for TfL Rail line

New Class 345 trains will be introduced on this line in May 2017 followed by the line between Heathrow and Paddington in May 2018; Paddington and Abbey Wood in December 2018; Paddington and Shenfield in May 2019; and full through services, including to Reading in December 2019. The service will be known as the Elizabeth line when the central tunnels open in December 2018. The Elizabeth line will add 10 percent to London’s rail capacity, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city.

Commenting on the anniversary, Steve Murphy, MTR Crossrail Managing Director said: “We are delighted with the improvements so far, and excited by the further enhancements to come. As a business, we are proud of the service transformation that passengers have benefited from as a result of MTR Crossrail’s ongoing collaboration with Network Rail and TfL. 

“We now look forward to continuing our work with our partners as we prepare to introduce the new Class 345 trains on this route next year, and to continue to deliver the strong performance that passengers expect in the run-up to full Elizabeth line services.”