Crossrail - Construction updates and progress towards opening (now expected 24 May 2022)

[coppercapped]

The way it works with S Stock is that the driver uses a cab control to put the carriage doors into de-training mode, then walks through and holds down each door open button that they pass — this locks the doors while that mode is active.

How does that map to Crossrail with auto-reverse and platform edge doors? I’m not trying to be clever, I’d just like to know.

 

[t_packer]

Update to the PIS today I *think*. Trains are now proudly announcing that they are “The train to [destination]” rather than a “TfL Rail service to [destination]”. The ‘service status’ screens now list the “Elizabeth line” rather than “TfL Rail”.

 

[JaJaWa]

It’ll only be open Monday to Saturday 06:30 until 22:30 initially, which I believe is experience gained from MTR’s line launches in mainland China.

Edit: So I’ve had a look at Citymapper and I’d say 2 minutes is a bit ambitious for Paddington!

The Phase 1 branding also links the line to its Hong Kong mother:

More “line” inconsistencies on the in-car line diagrams:

 

[ctom_s]

Londoners poke fun at TFL for 'error' over Elizabeth line signs

While other London services are simply labelled 'Circle', 'Metropolitan' or 'Bakerloo', the sign calls the new service the 'Elizabeth line'.

www.dailymail.co.uk

The debate rages on

 

[Basil Jet]

I realise that Crossrail 2 is NIOL (Not In Our Lifetimes) but imagine what would happen if it was built. Would it get its own puce "Charles line" roundel, as if it was its own mode? Or would it have "Elizabeth Line" roundels outside the stations, and use the same colour on the map, giving the map a purple cabbage bowl at TCR to go with the orange spaghetti bowl in Hackney?

It would make more sense if the purple roundels outside the stations had "Crossrail" writ thereon, and then when you went inside TCR station, you got a purple sign pointing to the Elizabeth Line and a puce sign pointing to the Charles line. This would mirror the way Holborn has a red roundel marked Underground, but as soon as you go in you get a red sign pointing to "Central Line" and a blue one pointing to "Piccadilly Line".

While I'm here, the "DLR" roundels are embarrassing. They should say "Docklands".

 

[theking]

It would make more sense if the purple roundels outside the stations had "Crossrail" writ thereon, and then when you went inside TCR station, you got a purple sign pointing to the Elizabeth Line and a puce sign pointing to the Charles line. This would mirror the way Holborn has a red roundel marked Underground, but as soon as you go in you get a red sign pointing to "Central Line" and a blue one pointing to "Piccadilly Line".

Exactly they should have kept the main title as Crossrail but named the line as Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Line just looks odd on all the branding when no other mode has it but the lines do

 

[306024]

Can you explain more about this? In Hong Kong, drivers swap trains regularly during peak hours because it will take too long for a driver to walk from one end to the other in the turnaround time, so drivers will step back one or two departures at the terminus with another driver at the other end immediately ready for taking over the train.

Swapping unnecessarily was the point. Stepping back if you haven’t got time to change ends is of course necessary, but at Paddington there is no advantage to doing this as the train goes to the reversing sidings at Westbourne Park, where there is sufficient time for the driver to change ends, auto reverse or not. If auto reverse isn’t available MTR could chose to provide an assisting driver for the shunts as a performance initiative, but that does require quite a few additional diagrams.

 

[miklcct]

I realise that Crossrail 2 is NIOL (Not In Our Lifetimes) but imagine what would happen if it was built. Would it get its own puce "Charles line" roundel, as if it was its own mode? Or would it have "Elizabeth Line" roundels outside the stations, and use the same colour on the map, giving the map a purple cabbage bowl at TCR to go with the orange spaghetti bowl in Hackney?

It would make more sense if the purple roundels outside the stations had "Crossrail" writ thereon, and then when you went inside TCR station, you got a purple sign pointing to the Elizabeth Line and a puce sign pointing to the Charles line. This would mirror the way Holborn has a red roundel marked Underground, but as soon as you go in you get a red sign pointing to "Central Line" and a blue one pointing to "Piccadilly Line".

While I'm here, the "DLR" roundels are embarrassing. They should say "Docklands".

Exactly they should have kept the main title as Crossrail but named the line as Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Line just looks odd on all the branding when no other mode has it but the lines do

I believe that the Overground will gain line names eventually as the network expands just like the Underground, and more railways will be brought under TfL Rail with other line names as well, so they will eventually be consistent.

 

[Taunton]

While I'm here, the "DLR" roundels are embarrassing. They should say "Docklands".

Nobody down here ever says Docklands any more. It's always DLR. I guess quite a proportion don't even know what it stands for.

 

[jfollows]

Nobody down here ever says Docklands any more. It's always DLR. I guess quite a proportion don't even know what it stands for.

Agreed. This week I had an email from a friend who lives in Stoke talking about her daughter moving back to London and she said "I get to go on the DLR!".
I might myself call it "Docklands" but I would never use the full name even though I know it.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Agreed. This week I had an email from a friend who lives in Stoke talking about her daughter moving back to London and she said "I get to go on the DLR!".
I might myself call it "Docklands" but I would never use the full name even though I know it.

So it follows Crossrail Elizabeth Line should be XR-1 (comparable with Paris' RER line A etc). Though Thameslink, with its more meaningful name, should be XR-1 so perhaps Crossrail will be XR-2 (onwards).

And as for other TfL routes getting names, How about LO-A, LO-B etc etc. *EDIT* - Perhaps LO-A, LO-B etc.

Incidentally the London Overground routes do need defining better as the maps I look at show them all the same colour. But when under National Rail they were more distinguishable. So I would keep Underground having solid lines. LO has hollow lines (with various colours) and Crossrail has hollow lines with dashes within (so solid with white dashes within).

OK so I am thinking too far ahead to future Crossrail routes !.

 

[JaJaWa]

Incidentally the London Overground routes do need defining better as the maps I look at show them all the same colour. But when under National Rail they were more distinguishable. So I would keep Underground having solid lines. LOROL has hollow lines (with various colours) and Crossrail has hollow lines with dashes within (so solid with white dashes within).

Khan manifesto: Overground lines to be named - what would you call them?

In NYC, all of the subway Shuttles have the same grey (S) branding. I think something similar could be used for Emerson Park but also all of the Thames Valley branches: Henley, Windsor, Greenford, Marlow. And there could be a Crossrail feeder element to their branding, to encourage those flows...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[swt_passenger]

So it follows Crossrail Elizabeth Line should be XR-1 (comparable with Paris' RER line A etc). Though Thameslink, with its more meaningful name, should be XR-1 so perhaps Crossrail will be XR-2 (onwards).

And as for other TfL routes getting names, How about LOROL-A, LOROL-B etc etc.

Incidentally the London Overground routes do need defining better as the maps I look at show them all the same colour. But when under National Rail they were more distinguishable. So I would keep Underground having solid lines. LOROL has hollow lines (with various colours) and Crossrail has hollow lines with dashes within (so solid with white dashes within).

OK so I am thinking too far ahead to future Crossrail routes !.

You’re wrong about LOROL I think, it’s not a public facing name. It’s a previous operator of LO.

 

[Peter Sarf]

You’re wrong about LOROL I think, it’s not a public facing name. It’s a previous operator of LO.

Hmm, so a different acronym. Perhaps LO-A etc ?.

 

[swt_passenger]

Hmm, so a different acronym. Perhaps LO ?.

I think they should use the previous fairly well known long term names, such as north, west, south or east London lines. Never been sure about GOB though, and DC is a bit niche…

 

[Peter Sarf]

I think they should use the previous fairly well known long term names, such as north, west, south or east London lines. Never been sure about GOB though, and DC is a bit niche…

Those are nicer names but a risk that there are getting to be too many.

Better stick to worrying about (all the) Crossrail routes as less off topic !. There a simple letter or number for each is required unless we can come up with names reflecting both ends. So XR Reading-East, XR Brighton-North (sorry other Southern destinations and LHR).

Are we any nearer knowing when it is opening ?.

 

[kevin_roche]

True, but a) OOC wasn't a thing when Crossrail was designed, and b) the functionality of the software will still exist, so it can be used at OOC as well

That might not be true. That part of the GWML is planned to use ETCS L2 signalling. The auto-reverse feature is part of the Siemens Trainguard MT software which is being used for CBTC only as far as Westbourne Park. Since the track at OOC will almost certainly be shared with other services (even if only when disruption occurs) it is unlikely that CBTC will get extended to OOC. It may be possible that by the time OOC is open ETCS L3 will have an auto-reverse feature but that is a whole new software issue.

 

[Skie]

I realise that Crossrail 2 is NIOL (Not In Our Lifetimes) but imagine what would happen if it was built. Would it get its own puce "Charles line" roundel, as if it was its own mode?

The Charlie Line? I’d posit some of our politicians are already familiar with the concept.

(And a reason Charles Line would never be used)

 

[coppercapped]

And after 26 lines, you could use double-letter names, so the line to the blue ridge mountains of Virginia would be LOROL-RD.

Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!

 

[FlippyFF]

Not sure if this is particularly the right thread but anyway...

It seems Crossrail are running trial services beyond both sides of the core today. Looking at Traksy seems to show...

9Cxx Paddington > Stratford
(Reverse in platform at Stratford)

9Gxx Paddington > Ilford
(Reverse in platform at Ilford)

9Uxx West Ealing > Abbey Wood
9Uxx Paddington > Abbey Wood
9Uxx Acton MainLine > Abbey Wood

9Vxx Stratford > West Ealing
(These then seem to run as a 5Vxx to Hayes & Harlington)

9Yxx Abbey Wood > Paddington
9Yxx Ilford > Paddington

9Zxx Abbey Wood > Acton Mainline
(These then seem to run as a 5Zxx to West Ealing loop)


HTIOI

Simon

{Edited to correct the spelling of 'trial'. Doh!}

 

[InOban]

A stage 5 timetable exercise is due to take place this Sunday 1 May. 20 trains per hour through the tunnels (reduced services on the east and west)

12 tph from Abbey Wood, 4 will terminate at both OOC and west ealing loop 3 will terminate Westbourne Park Sidings 1 will terminate Hayes and Harlington
4 tph from Ilford terminating Westbourne Park Sidings
4 tph from Stratford 3 will terminate at Westbourne Park Sidings and 1 to Hayes and Harlington


these are non passenger services

#4833 in the 345 thread describes today's timetable.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

Not sure if this is particularly the right thread but anyway...

It seems Crossrail are running trial services beyond both sides of the core today. Looking at Traksy seems to show...

9Cxx Paddington > Stratford
(Reverse in platform at Stratford)

9Gxx Paddington > Ilford
(Reverse in platform at Ilford)

9Uxx West Ealing > Abbey Wood
9Uxx Paddington > Abbey Wood
9Uxx Acton MainLine > Abbey Wood

9Vxx Stratford > West Ealing
(These then seem to run as a 5Vxx to Hayes & Harlington)

9Yxx Abbey Wood > Paddington
9Yxx Ilford > Paddington

9Zxx Abbey Wood > Acton Mainline
(These then seem to run as a 5Zxx to West Ealing loop)


HTIOI

Simon

{Edited to correct the spelling of 'trial'. Doh!}

All looks like its going well. By the way if you use signalmaps diagrams it shows the train movements at track circuit level.

Edit: spoke too soon looks like 9Y25 delayed at Pudding Lane Portal unless they are throwing curved balls at signallers and control staff to see how they react

 

[Jimini]

All looks like its going well. By the way if you use signalmaps diagrams it shows the train movements at track circuit level.

Edit: spoke too soon looks like 9Y25 delayed at Pudding Lane Portal unless they are throwing curved balls at signallers and control staff to see how they react

Does that website only work to certain points on the network (no coverage in the Coventry area for example?) or am I just being a bit thick, tonight?

 

[Watershed]

Does that website only work to certain points on the network (no coverage in the Coventry area for example?) or am I just being a bit thick, tonight?

Signalmaps has a very detailed feed with signal numbers and even track circuit occupation (where available), but they don't have the same widespread coverage that Traksy has. Traksy covers basically anywhere with a berth by berth data feed, i.e. 99% of TCB areas and even a few AB/TB etc. areas.

 

[Jimini]

Signalmaps has a very detailed feed with signal numbers and even track circuit occupation (where available), but they don't have the same widespread coverage that Traksy has. Traksy covers basically anywhere with a berth by berth data feed, i.e. 99% of TCB areas and even a few AB/TB etc. areas.

You win the award for the most informative and quick reply of the day -- thanks v much!

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

You win the award for the most informative and quick reply of the day -- thanks v much!

You also have Open Time Trains which shows signal aspect and route setting info on some maps but again not full coverage.

The other useful aspect of signalmaps is the colour coding of the train headcode indicates whether the train is ontime (green) with various other colours indicating how late it is goes yellow, orange, red, pink i believe but not absolutely sure.

 

[Roast Veg]

That might not be true. That part of the GWML is planned to use ETCS L2 signalling. The auto-reverse feature is part of the Siemens Trainguard MT software which is being used for CBTC only as far as Westbourne Park. Since the track at OOC will almost certainly be shared with other services (even if only when disruption occurs) it is unlikely that CBTC will get extended to OOC. It may be possible that by the time OOC is open ETCS L3 will have an auto-reverse feature but that is a whole new software issue.

There has never been a reason why XR couldn't have sponsored a spec, except money and time. If they set the standard, they're automatically compatible.

 

[matt_world2004]

That might not be true. That part of the GWML is planned to use ETCS L2 signalling. The auto-reverse feature is part of the Siemens Trainguard MT software which is being used for CBTC only as far as Westbourne Park. Since the track at OOC will almost certainly be shared with other services (even if only when disruption occurs) it is unlikely that CBTC will get extended to OOC. It may be possible that by the time OOC is open ETCS L3 will have an auto-reverse feature but that is a whole new software issue.

I think crossrail will use dedicated tracks to old oak common . It currently uses dedicated tracks from the depot to reach the core. And there is no way that sharing with other services would allow crossrail to reach 24 tph west of the core

These dedicated tracks currently do not have cbtc but there is no reason why they couldn't be upgraded.

 

[Horizon22]

I think crossrail will use dedicated tracks to old oak common . It currently uses dedicated tracks from the depot to reach the core. And there is no way that sharing with other services would allow crossrail to reach 24 tph west of the core

These dedicated tracks currently do not have cbtc but there is no reason why they couldn't be upgraded.

There is a slight conflict coming out of Paddington via Westbourne Park to Old Oak Common. Certainly on the WB line there is an inevitable short conflict on Line 5/6 with anything running on the Up Relief (albeit this will be a small number of trains into Paddington HL when Crossrail runs through).

 

[absolutelymilk]

According to DiamondGeezer here, the rumour is that Crossrail will open on Sunday 15th May

• Long-planned Crossrail-related changes to the bus network are being introduced on Saturday 14th May.
• Crossrail will open to the public on Sunday 15th May.
• Crossrail will open for revenue service on Monday 16th May.