Elizabeth Line: Slough's MP hails Crossrail as a "game changer"

Over years of delays and over-budgeting, the £18.8bn Elizabeth Line that connects Reading and Essex via central London opened to the public on Tuesday, May 24.

Commuters coming from Maidenhead, Slough, Langley, and Burnham to some central stations like Tottenham Court, Paddington and Abbey Wood section of the new line will save them a change, meaning no more switches to Bakerloo/Circle.

READ MORE: Thousands travel on Elizabeth line on first morning of passenger service

Over 130,000 journeys were made on the opening on May 24

Slough’s MP Tan Dhesi attended the grand opening of the Elizabeth Line with political and transport bosses, such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan. It was reported more than 130,000 journeys were made that day.

Mr Dhesi, who is shadow minister for the railways, called the Elizabeth Line central London section “state-of-the-art” and a “transport game changer” for millions of people.

Tan Dhesi hailed Crossrail as a "transport game changer"

He said: “Introduced by a Labour Government back in 2005 and completed by a Labour Mayor, the Elizabeth Line is a shining example of how an ambitious approach can transform the rail network and grow our economy.

“Ensuring Slough constituents have easier access to our capital and eventually connecting us all the way to east London will be hugely beneficial to businesses, commuters and tourists alike.”

READ MORE: Reading and Slough property prices double due to Elizabeth line

The line is not fully open as works to fully connect it is expected to take place this autumn. When this phase launches, services from Reading and Heathrow will operate through to Abbey Wood.

It is expected to be fully operational with timetable changes by May 2023.