Long-delayed London rail line starts trial operations

The newest addition to London's transport network, Crossrail, has moved closer to its long-overdue opening after the final series of emergency scenario dress rehearsal tests began.

It is the biggest infrastructure project in Europe and was supposed to have opened in December 2018 at a cost of 16 billion pounds ($21.3 billion), but has ended up costing closer to 20 billion pounds and is now anticipated to be ready some time between February and June 2022, with an exact date not yet set.

Services using its 42-kilometer route from Reading and Heathrow to the west of the city, across to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, will be known as the Elizabeth line, and connect up to the city's existing transport network.

"Reaching the start of trial operations is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Elizabeth line. The next few months are crucial to making sure the railway can open safely next year, and everyone is working incredibly hard to reach that goal," London mayor Sadiq Khan told ITV News.

"The Elizabeth line will help transform travel in London and the South East, dramatically improving transport links, supporting regeneration and boosting our economic recovery."

Bond Street station, the most expensive one on the line, is unlikely to be completed until February next year.

Transport for London (TfL) commissioner Andy Byford has told staff to see if it can be at least partially open on time, so it does not delay the launch of services even further, as the lasting impact of the pandemic may reduce anticipated passenger numbers.

That one station alone, where passengers would be able to interchange with the London Underground's Jubilee and Central lines, has so far cost 680 million pounds, more than five times its original estimate, with the bill having risen by 65 percent in the last three years alone.

The Guardian quoted Byford as saying that there had been "huge progress … it is great to now enter this final stretch" and that once it was in service, all the problems would be forgotten and it would be recognized as "a stunning addition, the jewel in the United Kingdom's crown".

Nick Rogers, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, said it was "disappointing" to see Bond Street still not complete.

"This station is crucial to the Elizabeth line, so it must open when the service finally starts," he told the London Evening Standard. "TfL's plan to partly open the station is not ideal, but I suppose it's better than nothing."

Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild called the system "immensely complex" and said it was vital to ensure the highest levels of reliability before opening.

"Everyone is working hard to deliver the Elizabeth line as soon as practically possible and we remain on track to commence passenger services in the first half of 2022," he added.