Crossrail Begins Public Testing
Bond Street Platform 4 has opened its doors for public testing. The platform features fluorescent lighting (so there goes last issue’s theory and a fully working train system; you can actually use the train and get a close look at the new tunnel design. Unfortunately, Heathrow hasn’t been built yet, so the track simply loops back to the other side of the platform, but the plus side is you get to experience arriving at a station, albeit the same one you came through.
It has been noticed that the train tunnels use fluorescent lighting, which implies some sort of wiring. Indeed, when we were offered a tour of the maintenance section, our suspicions were confirmed. Next to the power switch is a sign reading ‘Warning: Switch linked to both stations’, and the tunnels are indeed wired up with the platform lights. If the sign is anything to go by, this means Heathrow Station will also be connected in this manner.
Overall, the ‘soft launch’, as described by TfL, is definitely an interesting affair, and the Londinium Times officially recommends you get a taste of Crossrail before it opens.