Farringdon Elizabeth line station handed over to Transport for London

Farringdon Elizabeth line station has been officially handed over to Transport for London (TfL). It is the first of the central London stations to be transferred over to TfL, who will operate the Elizabeth line.

The station is now ready and the extensive testing and commissioning of systems have been finalised in advance of Trial Operations beginning later this year. Trial Operations is the final phase of testing involving trials to ensure the safety and reliability of the railway for public use. This includes real-time testing of evacuations of trains and stations before opening the Elizabeth line. The contractor, Bam Ferrovial and Kier Joint Venture (BFK JV) will continue demobilisation from the site.

This is the second of the new Elizabeth line stations to be handed over to TfL and the first to London Underground as infrastructure manager. Custom House was the first Elizabeth line station to be handed over to TfL last year. 

Crossrail confirmed last month that Tottenham Court Road and Paddington stations have reached the T-12 landmark, which means the stations are now considered to be 12 weeks away from being ready to hand over and will be the next stations to transfer to TfL.

Mark Wild, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Farringdon station has been handed over to London Underground, this is a huge milestone for Crossrail.

“I am proud of everyone who has worked so hard to get this magnificent new railway station over the line and we look forward to more stations reaching this stage in the coming months.”

Kim Kapur, London Underground’s Head of Station Integration, said: “This is a great achievement by the both the Crossrail and London Underground teams. Farringdon is the first London Underground Elizabeth line interface station to transfer, and my team will now be able to begin key readiness activities ahead of Trial Operations and ultimately opening this amazing station for passenger use.”

Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, said: “The handover of Farringdon station to TfL is an important step forward in the roll out of the long awaited Elizabeth line. Once open, the line will provide an enormous boost to the City, enhancing our transportation links with the rest of London and beyond.

“It is clear that world-class transportation options for London’s residents, workers and visitors will play a vital role in the capital’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are determined to create a greener, healthier Islington that is capable of achieving net zero carbon status by 2030, where local people can travel safely and easily.  

“The connection of Farringdon station to the Elizabeth line will help to achieve this, making the area one of the best-connected places in London and helping people to travel in an environmentally-friendly way.”

Jose Antonio Pariente, Project Director, BAM Ferrovial Kier, said: “Farringdon has led the way by becoming the first central London Elizabeth line station to hand over from Crossrail to TfL. The commitment from every single member of the BFK team as we have worked collaboratively with our client Crossrail throughout has been nothing short of commendable.”

The railway is still on track to open in the first half of 2022.

Photo credit: Crossrail

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