TEST trains have started running every 15 minutes in the 42km central section of London Crossrail, and Crossrail says it is ‘on track’ for opening during the first half of 2022.

The Trial Running programme involves integrated trials of the railway to demonstrate that the Elizabeth Line is safe and reliable, and that it meets the capacity and performance requirements needed to move to the final stage before opening the railway. 

This final stage is known as Trial Operations and will involve a wide range of exercises such as evacuations of trains and stations later this year.

Crossrail said it will steadily increase the number of trains running to allow the railway and the supporting systems to be operated as close as possible to a real public timetable.

Newly re-elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘I’m really pleased that Trial Running is now underway. The whole Crossrail team are doing all they can to get the railway open and ensure London and the wider South East can enjoy its many benefits sooner rather than later.’