Big numbers revealed for the Elizabeth Line opening day

Transport for London (TfL) has given us a sense of just how busy it was during the launch day of the highly-anticipated Elizabeth Line.

In newly released numbers, TfL says 260,000 journeys were made on the new central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood on the first day.

Across the whole Elizabeth line, stretching from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, people made over 460,000 journeys.

TfL says the event drew people from all over the country.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I was proud and excited to join hundreds of thousands of passengers on London’s brand new Elizabeth line. This is a landmark moment in the history of our public transport system and a gamechanger for Londoners and visitors to our capital. 

“Not only will the Elizabeth line help us build a better and greener London for everyone, but it will also help ensure that we can play our part in powering the national recovery from the pandemic. The Elizabeth line is a prime example of the energy, ambition and boundary-breaking spirit that defines our incredible city. But it’s also a symbol of British excellence and I’m in no doubt it will be a source of pride and prosperity for our country for many decades to come.” 

Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “It was amazing to see the overwhelmingly positive reaction that Londoners had to the opening of the Elizabeth line. I was there to welcome our first customers […] and was incredibly proud for Londoners and visitors to see the results of the huge amount of work done by TfL and industry colleagues to open this railway.  

“It’s great to see that so many people used the line, but it is the tip of the iceberg. The Elizabeth line will transform life and travel in London and in the whole south east by cutting journey times, offering alternative options and transforming accessibility. I encourage everyone who hasn’t seen the new, spacious, uncluttered stations and fantastic walk-through trains to visit and see this new addition to London’s transport network.” 

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