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When London’s shiny, purple Elizabeth line opened way back in May 2022, it was a much needed refresher for the city’s ageing transport network. Since then the line has firmly established its place on the capital’s transport map, even winning a prestigious architecture prize last year.
Now the Lizzy line has reached a new achievement: TfL says the purple service has over 500 million journeys under its belt, and that it’s officially the UK’s busiest train line.
The Lizzy’s speedy journeys and roomy carriages feel like luxury compared to other lines, and TfL says that it’s done research showing that the line is popular and making a positive difference.
New reports from TfL and design company Arup say that 90 percent of Elizabeth line users said it has made a positive impact on where they live, and that the service has led to a boost in employment and housing opportunities (particularly on the Heathrow airport and Abbey Wood branches). Overall, 62 percent of customers surveyed said that the line has positively impacted their employment opportunities.
Commenting on the Elizabeth line’s milestones and reports, London mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘The Elizabeth line has been a game-changer for the city, transforming travel in London and unlocking investment through the creation of new jobs and homes.’
Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: ‘The Elizabeth line has truly transformed life and travel in London and the South East by dramatically improving transport links, cutting journey times, providing additional capacity, and transforming accessibility.’
The Lizzy line may have had a positive impact on jobs and homes in London, but the running of the service hasn’t been entirely smooth. The purple line has been hampered by service closures, disruptions, and delays – which led, at one point in summer 2023, to it being named the country’s worst train line for cancellations.
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