London’s transport commissioner wants the new Elizabeth Line Crossrail service open by Christmas.

The Evening Standard reports Andy Byford is “spending his days focused on the twin challenges of getting the long-delayed, over-budget line open slightly ahead of the latest estimate, while encouraging passengers back onto the Tube and buses”.

The report adds that official timeline is for Crossrail’s central section linking Liverpool Street, Abbey Wood and Paddington to open in the first half of next year.

It explains that trial running has begun with four trains an hour and Mr Byford is driving his team daily to get the £19 billion line open as soon as possible, with December 24 earmarked as a possible opening date.

(Picture – Transport for London)