TfL to review Elizabeth line timetable with plans for more Essex trains

Transport for London (TfL) has said that it is reviewing Elizabeth line services as it aims to increase the frequency of trains - including those that run into Essex. Officials said this would mean 'new or additional journey opportunities'.

The authority was asked about trains towards Shenfield in Essex not stopping at Southall via a Freedom of Information request. The query read: "The train instead stops at neighbouring stations Hayes and Harlington and West Ealing (which sees less passengers than Southall). Is there a specific reason?"

As reported by MyLondon, a TfL case officer replied: "The Shenfield - Heathrow Terminal 5 services were originally going to call at Paddington, Ealing Broadway and Hayes & Harlington as these are the main interchange points between Central London and Heathrow. The service was designed primarily for airport passengers, rather than for local journeys in West London.

Read more: Anglian Water pipe fault caused hundreds of fish to die in Essex lake

Read more: Essex Eats Awards 2024: The 3 cafés named the best in Essex as search for winner begins

"West Ealing was included later in the planning process following local feedback, which has the added benefit of providing an interchange with the West Ealing to Greenford service. The schedules have sufficient flexibility to include a West Ealing stop, but the addition of any further stops would be challenging due to the interaction with freight trains and the Heathrow Express service on the Heathrow branch.

"The timetable is under constant review and there are aspirations to increase the off-peak service frequency, which may present some new or additional journey opportunities."

The FOI also asked: "With many new homes being developed near the stations (relying and being promoted/sold by the close proximity of the Elizabeth line ) could we see the Tube being extended past Ealing Broadway in the future to reduce constraints on the Elizabeth line?"

The TfL case officer said: "There are no current plans to extend the Underground network beyond Ealing Broadway. The Elizabeth line has provided a significant uplift in capacity, with 70 new, 9-carriage, 205m long Class 345 trains. There has also been an increase in service frequencies."