Transport for London (TfL) said that new measures are being implemented after a security breach saw a man boarding at an Elizabeth line station and riding on the route before it has been opened to the public.
As reported, work on the Elizabeth line means the opening is likely scheduled sometime in the first half of 2022. Work is still ongoing, and TfL recently outlined a series of trial exercises which are now also a widespread part of the project. The line is being used by Southeastern trains; however, none of the Elizabeth line platforms should have been accessible.
Despite this, a person managed to board the train at Abbey Wood back in November 2021.
TfL confirmed to Rail Business Daily that the person was escorted off the train at Paddington.
It said the eight Elizabeth line stations that have been handed over to TfL are staffed ahead of the line opening as teams are familiarised with the station and carrying out the trial operations exercises. The two stations still to be handed over, Bond Street and Canary Wharf, are staffed by construction and security specialists.
Howard Smith, chief operating officer for the Elizabeth line, said: “Clearly, a customer should not have been able to board an Elizabeth line train at Abbey Wood in November. Our operator MTR Elizabeth line has put in additional procedures to increase security and ensure this cannot happen again, and we have worked with them to investigate this incident.”
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