Trains fit for a Queen start operating on new line

Trains built in Derby by Alstom have started operating on a new line in London named after Her Majesty.

On Tuesday, the first public services started running out of Paddington on the Elizabeth Line.

The opening of the new railway has coincided with this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Last week, ahead of the start of services, Her Majesty, accompanied by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, visited Paddington to meet staff, including Elizabeth line apprentices, drivers, and station staff.

During the Royal visit, Her Majesty officially unveiled a plaque to celebrate the completion of the line named in her honour.

Among the assembled guests were Alstom’s chief operating officer Danny Di Perna and UK & Ireland managing director Nick Crossfield.

The trains that run on the Elizabeth Line have been built at Alstom’s Derby factory in Litchurch Lane.

When the company originally won the contract to build the trains, the project was called Crossrail.

But in 2016, Transport for London announced that it would be renamed the Elizabeth Line.

Not only has Alstom built the fleet of 70 Class 345 trains but it has also helped provide the tunnel infrastructure and systems for the new network.