AHEAD of Reading train services becoming part of the Elizabeth Line, TfL has been trialling the route over the past few days.
The company began a 'soft launch' of peak trains on Monday, November 25, and as part of this the first TfL train entered Reading.
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One person took to Twitter to say: "Elizabeth Line reaches Reading! "Feels surreal being of a TfL train 36 miles outside London - and I can use my freedom pass!"
Crossrail reaches Reading 😎 @philatrail @Captain_Deltic @TheLeoMartin @ElliottBirdDJ @RidingtheGoblin @Modern_Railways @railwaysillus @cogbat @25Kv @geofftech @lonrec @garius @njak_100 @hassaanhch @BBCLondonNews @rdgchronicle @BombardierR_UK @standardnews @BBCTomEdwards @andym13 https://t.co/ZrNiPyasqq
— CMPD (@cmpd_date) November 25, 2019
A TfL spokesman said: "As TfL Rail prepares for the takeover of stopping services between Paddington mainline and Reading on December 15, TfL Rail trains are running on some Great Western Railway (GWR) operated stopping services.
"The services operated by the TfL Rail train are still GWR services and all GWR conditions, fares and concessions continue to apply.
"This will allow GWR to reallocate some of their trains and allow for a smooth introduction of TfL Rail services in December."
READ MORE: TfL Rail to begin operate services to Reading
Transport Youtuber Geoff Marshall also Tweeted about the 'milestone' moment, saying: "The first ever #PurpleTrain IN SERVICE from Reading to Paddington! Just six a day."
The first ever #PurpleTrain IN SERVICE from Reading to Paddington! Just six a day. Video tomorrow … pic.twitter.com/gRdtZ6Wdal
— Geoff Marshall (@geofftech) November 25, 2019
TfL will soon start running the stopping services between Paddington mainline and Reading ahead of the service becoming part of the Elizabeth line.
The services, currently operated by Great Western Railway, will be operated as TfL Rail from December 15 when it becomes the Elizabeth line, which opens through central London.
Under TfL Rail, the current service frequency of four stopping trains an hour in the peak between Paddington mainline and Reading will be maintained using the new Elizabeth line trains.
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