The brand-new Elizabeth Line station at Bond Street finally opened to the public on Monday following months of delays.
By Joe Talora, Local Democracy Reporter
The opening of Bond Street station comes just two weeks before the central section of the Elizabeth Line is joined up to the eastern and western sections, meaning passengers can travel from Heathrow Airport into central London and onwards towards Abbey Wood without having to change.
TfL Commissioner Andy Byford, who is to be stepping down soon, said the new station at Bond Street is “truly spectacular” and called it the “jewel in the crown” of public transport in the West End.
Mr Byford said: “I promised that Bond Street would open in autumn, and we have delivered on that promise. It is now set to serve as a significant new link to one of the most popular shopping districts in Europe, just in time for the busy festive period this year.
“When I came to TfL I set two clear priorities, one of which was to get the Elizabeth line open without further delay. Today’s opening, after years of hard work, marks the completion of the central section of the Elizabeth line, which now includes 10 world-class new stations. I am also pleased that through journeys from the east and west into central London are now less than two weeks away.”
The construction of Bond Street station was plagued by issues as early as 2014 and, at one point, was believed to be 18 months behind the rest of the Elizabeth Line.
Several delays and a change of contractor also meant the cost of building the new station has soared to £570 million compared to the initial estimate of £110 million.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “delighted” to officially open the new station on Monday, adding that it would provide a “huge boost” for hospitality and retail businesses in the West End.
Mr Khan said: “The spacious, stylish and step-free station at Bond Street is a huge boost for our retail and hospitality businesses and will radically improve travel across London and the South East by providing a new link to one of the busiest shopping districts in Europe ahead of the festive period. I can’t wait for Londoners and visitors to our capital to experience this beautiful new station for themselves.”
More than 27 million journeys have so far been made on the central section of the Elizabeth Line since it opened in May. Bond Street station is expected to accommodate more than 140,000 passengers every day.
