… and TfL ‘handed the keys’ to Farringdon station

Farringdon became the first of Crossrail’s new central London stations to be handed over to Transport for London on March 5.

Extensive testing and commissioning of its systems have been finalised ahead of trial operations starting later this year (the final phase of testing to ensure the railway is ready for public use).

Trial operations will include real-time testing of evacuation procedures for trains and stations, before the railway opens.

It is the second Crossrail station handed over to TfL, following Custom House last year, and the first where London Underground is the infrastructure manager. Tottenham Court Road and Paddington should be next ( RAIL 926).

Alastair Moss, chairman 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 rollout 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-leading transportation options for London’s residents, workers and visitors will play a vital role in the capital’s recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Crossrail said the railway remains on target to open in the first half of next year, although London Transport Commissioner Andy Byford has said he would like it to open earlier if possible.

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON/CROSSRAIL. Farringdon Elizabeth Line station on October 15 2020. This has now been handed over to Transport for London. When it opens, passengers will be able to change between London Underground, Thameslink and the Elizabeth Line, each with its own dedicated platforms. The new station is below the existing facility.