Is the Elizabeth line down? London Underground status and strike updates for Paddington to Abbey Wood route

OPENED by the late Queen in 2022, the Elizabeth Line connects Reading with Essex via London.

While it generally gets commuters to their destinations in a fraction of the time of other routes available, the line has been experiencing problems in November 2024 — here’s everything we know.

What is the Elizabeth Line?

The Elizabeth line is a high-frequency hybrid rail service serving London and its suburbs.

Born out of the highly ambitious Crossrail project, it was renamed after Her Majesty, who opened the line in the build-up to her Platinum Jubilee.

Connecting towns in Berkshire right through to Essex and southeast London, it runs from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, spanning over 100km and stopping at 41 stations.

The service was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on May 17, 2022, with passenger services beginning a week later.

Current service status

As of November 27, 2024, the Elizabeth line was experiencing significant disruptions.

The central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood has been affected the most.

At the time of writing, there is currently no service on this route due to a fault with the signalling system, with the disruption expected to continue until the end of the day.

On November 26, 2024, the Elizabeth line also experienced issues.

The same section was suspended due to the same fault with the signalling system, causing severe delays, including trains to Heathrow Airport.

Service alterations

• No trains are running between Abbey Wood and London Paddington
• Customers for Reading or Heathrow should use Elizabeth line services from London Paddington High Level (platforms 1-14)
• Passengers traveling to Shenfield should board Elizabeth line services from London Liverpool Street High Level (platforms 16 and 17)

Passengers are advised to monitor official TfL communications for confirmed strike dates and potential service disruptions.

Alternative Travel Options

To accommodate affected passengers, ticket acceptance has been arranged on several alternative routes at no extra cost, including:

• Any train operated by c2c via any reasonable route
• Docklands Light Railway
• Greater Anglia between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street
• Great Western Railway between London Paddington and Reading
• Heathrow Express
• London Buses
• London Underground
• Southeastern between Abbey Wood and London terminals
• Thameslink between Abbey Wood and Farringdon

Passengers are advised to check the latest updates before traveling and allow extra time for their journeys.

Possible new year strikes

Transport unions have indicated potential industrial action in early 2025, with discussions ongoing regarding pay disputes and working conditions.

While no definitive dates have been confirmed, RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport) and Aslef (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) are in negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) about potential strike action that could impact Elizabeth line services.

Key potential strike considerations include:

• Ongoing pay negotiations
• Working condition improvements
• Staffing levels
• Pension and benefit discussions