Trials have begun on the Elizabeth Line, which would connect Reading directly with Heathrow via train.

The line looks to open in the first half of 2022, with Canary Wharf recently becominhg the ninth of ten central stations to be transferred to Transport for London from Crossrail.

Staff at Canary Wharf will now undertake Trial Operations to replicate scenarios that may occur when the station is open to customers.

Trial Operations is the final phase of the programme before the Elizabeth line opens for passenger services between Paddington and Abbey Wood in the first half of this year.

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Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “This is the ninth station to be handed over to TfL and marks another big milestone for the Elizabeth line before it opens for passengers in the first half of this year.

“Canary Wharf is a great place to live, work and spend time, and the new Elizabeth line will make it quicker and easier for people to travel around London as the city recovers from the pandemic."

Mark Wild, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station has been transferred to Transport for London and thank all those that have worked so hard to achieve this.

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“This beautiful and iconic station will help connect this key business district to the City of London, the West End and Heathrow. These more seamless journeys will improve access to employment and create further job opportunities.

“We are progressing well with Trial Operations, which is the final phase before passenger services. With a series of more complex exercises, which will include evacuations of trains and stations using thousands of staff due to begin soon.”