Hey Geoff I’m Jordan the guy in the Wheelchair you met today on the train. Thanks for being so kind and caring, and helping to highlight how level boarding will really help people like me to travel around more easily it was a pleasure to meet you today!
I don't really care about trains or anything TFL related, but Geoff's enthuasim and general excitement is what makes me excited and intrigued by the new line. Geoff is a ray of light for the London transport.
Why are you here if you dont care about trains? I am not a die hard train fan but I like trains. I like seeing anyone make videos about their passion and to seen the excitement for being at Crossrail's Elizabeth line is wonderful!!!
Your a lad Geoff such a busy and hectic day but you still manage to upload an 18 minute well edited video and you also had time for you fans all this before 12 in the afternoon. You have true dedication and I love it. Everyone had an amazing day.
This IS NOT the Elizabeth Line opening, it’s “meet and greet Geoff Marshall” day! Love the energy! I hope we have similar enthusiasm when the Eglinton Crosstown Line opens in Toronto (this year hopefully)
This has got to be the wildest, most energetic video about trains ever and love every minute of it. The sense of community and just all around enthusiasm is amazing. Love these videos
All it needed was for the dog to have been given a non-harmful purple rinse with its coiffeur. As per the platform size adjectives,my vote goes tp voluminous.
This almost seems like as much a milestone for you Geoff as much as London commuters, it's been years you've been following the progress. It's also nice to see the youth interested in such a project.
As someone who was on the first train this morning I just want to say that despite being a large UA-camr, Geoff still made the time to communicate with eager rail fans both off and on camera and really tried to make everyone who came along feel very welcomed and included! It was a real privelige to see the genuine enthusiasm and inspiring passion Geoff has for his fans and the railway firsthand. Geoff please never stop making videos! It was a real pleasure to meet you today.
One of these days they'll get Geoff to do the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony,or at least do the honours with the invited dignitaries with a pair of scissors each.
I think you were on my 06:55 train from Abbey wood, I'm pretty sure I saw you get off at Whitechapel in my monitors... glad you enjoyed the day, it was amazing to see it from the drivers perspective. Such a good atmosphere all day and the feel good story the capital needed!
I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to just say a quick hello and take a photo with your fans. It made so many days mine included and I can't wait to watch this video now!
I’m an American living in Orlando and have followed you, Geoff, for quite long time. I’m also a huge fan of the U.K., Ireland, and all of Europe, along with great rail travel. Where I live we have next to no really great public transport like the Tube in London, and I’m always so envious of your system. I love visiting places in the U.S. like Chicago and New York that have decent public transport, but it still pales in comparison to the system in London. I love how iconic the whole brand is, to the point of selling merchandise, but also how well kept and organized the whole system is. I can’t wait for my next opportunity to get back to London, but I just wish we could improve our systems in the U.S. too.
We need federal officials who are willing to invest in making Amtrak a truly useful passenger network as well as a cargo network. The results would probably take longer than a single term, or even two terms, to realize, but it would do so much good for the public.
@@dominateeye u guys have the money for it as well, if ur politicians had better priorities you could have the best public transport systems in the world
Got it from Abbey Wood to Canary Wharf and back later in the day for the commute. It saves so much time compared to the old route! And is so quiet too!
I am sure that this video will become the most important piece of work you have ever done Geoff - for you and for us all! It is not just about the history that has happened today - without any doubt, the opening of CrossElizPurp is something similar to opening of the Underground 150 plus years ago - This video simply tells a story of so many amazing people, who designed, built and managed this complicated process, who will run, maintain and operate this railway every day giving their best. It is about the people who will use it, for whom this piece of infrastructure will become a part of everyday life and about the people who are just super excited about it being finally open. Geoff, the fact that you took your time to spend this amazing day with everybody described above as well as your personal friends, fans and officials (who were all equal today despite different roles) gave us the most beautiful and wholehearted 17 minutes you've ever delivered to us! ❤️ This video will become a statement of equality and humanity for future generations! Even though I am writing this comment from far away from Poland, today in my thoughts I was together with all of you there, on the Elizabeth Line in London. Geoff, thank you for that milestone you have brought us to (after years of waiting)! ☺️
Geoff, that moment when you get on the first train going the other direction and everyone greets you was wonderful, and it shows how much you're loved and appreciated not just on UA-cam, but in real life. Enjoy the week!
*_LOVE_* the video, Geoff!! Your purple streak, the cheerful announcer at Custom House, 🤫 _yellow escalators_ 🤫, all the people - me actually squeaking "Karl!" and then "Roger!!" when they appeared 🤭 - the general enthusiasm of everyone, the sing-along at the end... THANK YOU for capturing (and same-day editing!!!) this wonderful day for us, and especially those of us who couldn't be there - it almost felt as if we were 🤩 (And now you go sleep the sleep of the just 😴)
Having Geoff being so excited about trains always was a joy for me, that's why I even watch these videos every now and then. But random people actually baking cupcakes for the new purple line put it on another level, so wholesome!
Got it today at 8am from Paddington. Everyone was looking around in appreciation, I kept catching people's eyes - at every stop people were looking out of the windows. People were not on their phones (for one day only). I work in the City and this will save me 40 mins a day return Paddington to Liverpool Street, and my family live abroad so again, will save loads of time to get home from the Stansted Express. I felt so happy to be there today, I hope my great-great grandchildren will say "Grandma Hannah was there on the first day." Thanks Geoff as always ❤️
Another Geoff Marshall triumph, Geoff, well done! I think the management of CrossElizPurp ought to express their thanks to YOU, as well as the thousands of Engineers, concrete workers, welders, crane drivers, TBM drivers and repairers and even more thousands of admin staff, who all, together, built the new line. But no-one, no-one has ben as loyal and ENTHUSIASTIC as you. Well done mate.
This made me SO HAPPY!!!! Love your energy your caring your humanism!! Everybody in this video is happy light hearted and having fun Thanks so much for your good positive crazy contagious energy. Touches my heart!!! All you crazy Londoners we're super happy for you!!! Cheers for Montreal
Imagine! Having public transportation! Brilliant. People able to reach jobs, gyms, friends, etc. without gassing up a car. Here in the US, and glad to hear new rail made accessible to people elsewhere. Looks great!
Well the Journeys (particulary from the North Side of the River, always were possible , just took a long time. Even Abbey Wood -> London Bridge 27min by SouthEastern, London Bridge->Bond Street( Jubilee ). Bond Street-> Ealing Broadway (Central) or London Bridge-Baker Street. Bakert Street Paddington , Paddington Ealing Broadway. So nowhere in London I suggest is more than 3 changes of rail plus a bus each end away from anywhere else in London.
@@highpath4776 "..nowhere in London I suggest is more than 3 changes of rail plus a bus each end away from anywhere else.." In my case it's about a 15 minute drive to the grocery, no sidewalks or bike lane. Nearest bus 35-40 min. Train? Hour 30?
@@nunyabidnis3815 10 min walk to the 24hr store, 8 min to the big store open 7-11. or bus to the bigger town centre 10 min ride every 7mins tops. And was much the same when I lived in East London (OK Big Store a bit further away If I wanted more than one choice)
Your infectious enthusiasm is contagious Geoff (Blimey, that's a mouthful). Loved "Purple Train" at the end - release the song immediately and they can play it over the PA's in All The Stations.
I took the line today - TFL RAIL Hayes & harlington to Paddington and then to Liverpool Street Got to Paddington at 6:30am and it was PACKED. The train ride took a whole 10 minutes to Liverpool Street! So spacious, it felt great. Really pleased to use this and not central line anymore :)
Great video. It seems TOTALLY fitting to open now, just as the UK celebrates next week a four day jubilee in honour of our fantastic Queen! 70 YEARS on the throne, serving us. Congratulations to everyone.
Well done Geoff and everyone who contributed to the first set of trains on Tuesday. my social media has been full of posts about the Purple Train. Great to see.
I went to London with my family in July 2013. Back then, all that existed of Crossrail was the construction site near the Royal Oak tube station, which we could see during the walk from our Airbnb to the train. I've been keeping my eye on this project and its progress for a decade, and it's finally open. Congrats, London. Much love from New Jersey 💜
That tunnel portal still wont be used until later in the year when the Western, Reading Paddington branch services will be integrated into the new tunnel section.
It’s been a pleasure riding on this train before my A levels this week, managed to get some much needed stress relief and got to take a picture with you !! thank you for making everyone’s day more special ! 💜😁
What a momentous occasion for London and Transport Enthusiasts! Had a great time out there today, believe I saw briefly when I was on a departing train at Custom House. Finally, on behalf on all of us transport enthusiasts, thank you for not only today but through all of the many delays producing such high quality content of the Crossrail Project!!
The most anticipated you tube video of the day. Love geoff enthusiasm and his love of the new line. He looks like the godfather of train nerds as they are much younger yet its probably his videos and tv appearances that made them love it like him. Keep up the great work geoff.
Hey, watching this from Sydney. We are going through a similar things with new lines, new stations, revamped old ones, better access for people with disabilities, automated safety barriers, etc. Love your videos. We will be in London on June 11. Can't wait to ride this line!
Many thanks for getting this uploaded on opening day Geoff. I caught the Elizabeth Line from Custom House to Tottenham Court Road this morning just to try it out and was very impressed with the travel time and how quiet and smooth the short journey was. Here's to a bright future for our brand new line.
Congrats to TFL and all who brought the Elizabeth Line to life. It looks amazing! We could only dream of Railway infrastructure projects like this in America.
Living in a city with subpar public transportation it genuinely warms my heart to see the public coming together to celebrate a new way to commute. Truly this is why public transportation should be celebrated: because it shrinks the city and brings people together.
What a totally amazing day! I loved every minute of it! Believe it or not, this video does not even come close to the level of joy and excitement that today has brought me personally. To see so many people out there enjoying the railway and spotting more than the odd few #PurpleTrain t-shirt on trains and in stations was quite humbling for me. I'm going back for more tomorrow!
The new Crossrail/ Elizabeth line #purpletrain looks really really nice. Very nice trains & beautifully designed & built stations. My favourite Elizabeth Line Station is Canary Wharf. Step-free access & the platform doors is some of the new features that i really like on this new railway line in England. Next new railway line to come is HS2 in about 8 - 10 years from now.
The opening week energy you get from huge lines opening like this is probably the best part of the experience, even watching it from outside London you still feel engaged with everyone and you feel their exitment. It is a genuine joy that you just can’t get in any other experience. The Elizabeth Line has been in development for so long so to finally see real trains rolling through real platforms carrying real people is super cool. If I ever visit London I will 100% take the time to ride on the purple train. Safe travels!
I’ve lived in Woolwich most of my life and worked in abbey wood for about two years now so I’m extremely grateful for the arrival of the Elizabeth line at last 🤩 . It usually takes minimum of 1 hour to get into central London from where I live so this is a dream! It was so lovely to see all the people taking pictures and smiling when I tried it for the first time this afternoon too. The joy is palpable
So you live in Woolwich and work in Abbey Wood - the purple line has made your leisure journeys better - That is such a relief to everyone outside of London who uses public transport. £20+bn overspent, 5yrs late, 5yrs missed revenue. They should have quietly launched this line...
@@sarasaeed6349 as a true northerner I will happily take those adjectives with a hell of a lot of proud.Have you got any more you want to throw my way?
🎶Purple train🎶 needs to be recorded I really want to see it in the charts and I've never seen Geoff so happy and enthusiastic 💜💜 I can't wait to ride it for the first time in June hopefully thank you for every moment Geoff we love you
Geoff, I was pleased to see you so excited! The Elizabeth line today has been probably exhausting for you, but you still made time to share your experience and also the public’s opinion with it too! I hope you keep your enthusiasm for these new CAPACIOUS trains! And remember, “to the trains!”
It was lovely to see you today Geoff, an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you, and now your highly anticipated toy of a railway is completed, have fun playing with it this week haha.
Such a great train to ride. As a Danish family, we found ourselves in London on holiday this week, and the Geoff was kind enough to open a brand new train line. Our daughter was just SO excited (me too). But riding the PurpleTrain also kind of ruins the ride on the general Underground trains. How can you go back to crowded platforms, bumpy and noisy rides, when you can go purple instead… Congrats to London for your new Elizabeth line 🎉
For me,there times when the noise of the train rides on the old lines can be a little intrusive but most of the time it's a reassuringly familiar part of the whole experience.
Gave the trains a try at 10.50 this morning the first day(!), Paddington to Abbey Wood straight through, did what John Bull did (9:13) hung around, took a few souvenir photos, and came straight back Abbey Wood to Paddington - all I can say is absolutely fabulous, it surpasses the Paris RER Ligne A but guess it would 48 years later. Feel that acceleration leaving Bond Street...whooosh!
A whole lot of people who are all just so excited to be here; that's the best feeling. A few days from now, this will be a mundane train line that people will ride like any other. But just for a moment, it's something special.
Geoff, that video has got me smiling from ear to ear. I've followed the trials and tribulations of the Lizzy/Purp/Crossrail on your channel for years, and it was so good to see you there on the day. I'm travelling down to London on 2nd June to visit the line. I can't wait.
Thank you for really capturing the spirit of the opening day Geoff. I'm very much looking forward to travelling on the line later this week as part of my daily commute.
excellent video. I have followed the progress for years. mainly through Geoff and his sheer knowledge and great enthusiasm. I will try it very soon. thanks, Geoff for helping me feel the passion you do. great job
someone commneted "Wow, what a video and what an amazing day. Geoff you never fail to disappoint. Loved the sing song even though Jemma lost her voice she still shined ❤" and I fully agree - This is the video we all need Geoff, such good work
@@j.wellens5660 Not really. Every major public infrastructure project in recent years has had budget and timetable overruns, both in the UK and abroad. (Interestingly, there is very little media focus on the ongoing repairs and maintenance works to the UK's vast road network, in both cases budget and timetable overruns are also commonplace). True, in the case of Crossrail a delay of 3.5 years is perhaps a bit extreme (though covid was also a factor), but on the other hand, the Germans weren't able to open their new Berlin airport for almost 10 years, even though it was basically finished! Now, are some of the cost and timetable overruns due to corruption or shoddy management? Sure. But part of the issue is also engineers being under intense political pressure to deliver incredibly complex projects in a time and budget that may just about work if everything goes exactly to plan, but things never really do in practice. Then, if there's unforeseen delays and the railway is opened "on time" but still unfinished and there happens to be a massive accident later on because safety standards weren't being met, the public outcry will be even greater. So, I think this is less about massive public infrastructure projects costing what they do and more about politicians being dishonest about the cost and complexity.
@@andrewoakeshott7759 I think we are dancing around the same point. The problem is with public sector procurement - and not just recent years! - whether it's a high profile project like the Elizabeth line or HS1/HS2, etc etc, or local schemes like the local cycle lane project close to where I live which cut ground in Oct 2021 with a stated completion date of 13 weeks, which is still far from finished. What I was trying to argue was the madness in the logic that because each consecutive major project goes more overbudget it's ok that the next one does too .
Thank you so much for taking a selfie with me earlier today. I was the bloke who ambushed you at Liverpool Street just near the escalator on the platform as you were rushing. You were so kind! Thank you 😊👊
I went on the Elizabeth line this morning. The new stations (at least their platforms) looked BEAUTIFUL. I'm certainly gonna be taking it to MCM Comic-Con on Friday.
Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺 What a magnificent new railway you have. Great video and wonderful people. Keep up the great work. Humanity is better off with people like you all.
David, as someone who lives in the UK but nowhere near London, please don't think the Elizabeth Line is representative of the railway service in the UK outside of the London area. The services between the biggest cities in Northern England, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, are light years behind what is available in the London commuter belt.
Amazing, and the Lizzie line is not bad as well! You’re turning all of us into train nerds with your enthusiasm…and fans of this new line/London. Give that man an MBE for services to Londoners, London Transport and the planet.
Absolutely - as witnessed by the regular commuter interviewed in the video who is grateful for the 5 minute saving in his journey time. That's £20bn well spent.
@@j.wellens5660 And again... Now, just to be clear, it's not that I agree with London's hustle culture, but 5 minutes saved in London are indeed economically significant. However, the average commuter will save a lot more time than that (Geoff also made a helpful video illustrating how much travel times between stations will be cut.). That said, what ALWAYS gets ignored in these discussions (and HS2 is another good example) is that the main benefits are not just reduced travel times, but additional and much needed capacity to the network. And if anyone has ever been on the cramped Central line (and other deep level tube lines) they'll be happy to know that this will indeed take a lot of pressure off parts of the underground network. Now, if you're from the North and your comment was related to how public infrastructure projects (and much else) in the North of England and Scotland are chronically underfunded, while London gets billions in investment, then as a Scot and someone with a dad born in Newcastle, I'm with you all the way. However, that doesn't make Crossrail any less impressive on its own merits.
@@andrewoakeshott7759 I think we are pretty much on common ground. I'm impressed with the scale and scope and potential of the Crossrail project. I'm infuriated by the budget overspend, timescale creep, and apparent lack of response to these budgetary divergences from any of our political parties or the civil servants whose job it is to oversee these projects. ( and yes - I do live/abide in/from somewhere that is north of the M25.
@@j.wellens5660 True. The fact that no one is really prepared to get to the bottom of cost and budget overruns (even if they may just be down to politicians lying about the true cost and complexity of projects) is a problem. However, I reckon that whether it's corruption, bad management or simply political dishonesty, in any case, there's a vested interest on behalf of those involved (construction firms, contractors and politicians) to leave the voting public in the dark as to the reasons why, which is certainly regrettable..
@@j.wellens5660 plenty of journeys take half what they used to. I get it, I agree there ought to be more transport infrastructure outside London much much more (it's mad that Manchester and Birmingham don't have a tube) but to say it will save only 5 minutes is a little disingenuous
So exciting! Popped to Liverpool Street and back between a quick shop at Abbey Wood Sainsburys and going home for tea. Everyone was so excited! Amazing, every 5 minutes! Staff brilliant. Connections amazing! Saw people, dogs, wheel chairs, my crutches…..wonderful!
I was on the train this morning, and I thought to myself, despite Her Majesty's presence last week, its not really open until the Geoff Marshall video comes out.
Really enjoyed riding the line on the opening day. What an amazing atmosphere! The whole thing is great in every respect except for two things: Firstly the lighting throughout the trains and many areas of the stations feels a bit dull. I guess that's intended to create a calming atmosphere. Secondly the lack of toilets beyond the barrier. I was very ... errr ... 'relieved' that there were loos at Abbey Wood station. At Paddington there were no facilities other than in the mainline station as far as I could tell, despite the acres of space that are available for toilets to be installed. It's a long way from Reading to Abbey Wood for anyone with range anxiety! Can't imagine the lifts are going to smell new for very long ;)
I was so excited to go on a new railway line on its first day, I don't know if I'll ever be able to do something like that ever again. I'll never forget this day! Sad that I didn't get to meet you Geoff as I had to travel in the afternoon as I had school.
I watched most of this thinking my gosh, Geoff is so happy he's absolutely hyper, he's buzzing!. then I realized I had playback set at 1.25. watched the last bit at normal speed, you were just normal levels of excited then.
5:00 it's impossible to put it better than this person did. Being able to get on and off the trains as everybody else would is game-changing. I wish more people understood this. LEVEL BOARDING EVERYWHERE, NOW!
A bit late but I rode the Elizabeth line for the 1st time last week from Tottenham Court Road ti Custom House & I came across this! Love the Purple Train song & your enthusiasm!! 💜🚉💟
Geoff you are a legend, you inspired me to take a ride on the The Purple Train yesterday, got on at Abbey Wood and went all the way to Paddington and back, then to Woolwich, before heading back home via Tottenham Court Road, this Line will be life changing. Keep up the good work, huge fan and love your enthusiasm 👌🏾
I’ve been following the coverage of the #CrossElizPurpTrain since forever and this is such a significant moment on this channel. I’m so excited to see what lies in store for the future of the line.
Hey Geoff I’m Jordan the guy in the Wheelchair you met today on the train. Thanks for being so kind and caring, and helping to highlight how level boarding will really help people like me to travel around more easily it was a pleasure to meet you today!
Is West Drayton now fully step free to the platform ? / train.
Hi Jordan nice to meet you just saw you on the video.
Great contribution to the video Jordan! And happy to hear the new line supports more people to access the network more easily :)
Jordan: You were great!
@@highpath4776west Drayton is step free from street to platform so I still need a ramp to get onto the actual train :)
I don't really care about trains or anything TFL related, but Geoff's enthuasim and general excitement is what makes me excited and intrigued by the new line. Geoff is a ray of light for the London transport.
Yep, he should be the face of TFL!!!! :D
To think, he’s one of the two record-holders holding the record of the fastest time to visit every Tube station. What a man.
@@someguy1728 He was in 2013, but two other people beat his record in 2015. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_Challenge for more details.
The way he said "yellow escalators"... 😄
Why are you here if you dont care about trains? I am not a die hard train fan but I like trains. I like seeing anyone make videos about their passion and to seen the excitement for being at Crossrail's Elizabeth line is wonderful!!!
The whole carriage cheering for you at 3:35 genuinely warmed my heart 😊
It just makes me so happy to see other people being so happy.
@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
it’s amazing how the simple things like transport can hype people up! It’s what we live for!
It's what they turned up for: to see Geoff.
The opening of some train line was just an added bonus
Geoff has been one of the big faces of transport on UA-cam.
Your a lad Geoff such a busy and hectic day but you still manage to upload an 18 minute well edited video and you also had time for you fans all this before 12 in the afternoon. You have true dedication and I love it. Everyone had an amazing day.
@@geofftech2 You are most welcome Geoff 😂
"Your a lad" "Your have true" WTF
have a pint my lad
@@RAFchurchlawford4469 Maybe he is coming straight out of an old english language seminar or something...
@@geofftech2 The song is sooooooooo good :)
This IS NOT the Elizabeth Line opening, it’s “meet and greet Geoff Marshall” day! Love the energy! I hope we have similar enthusiasm when the Eglinton Crosstown Line opens in Toronto (this year hopefully)
Hey JTT!! Good to see you here too!
I hope there will be even more enthusiasm when Toronto RER opens!
@@mikeythesoulace that will be one of the best transit projects completions in a long time in the city!
@@michaelrmurphy2734 likewise Mike! Happy to connect with great people via great content
This has got to be the wildest, most energetic video about trains ever and love every minute of it. The sense of community and just all around enthusiasm is amazing. Love these videos
It's awesome because it's like every single train fan in London came to see it.
Trains in the UK are just cool
All it needed was for the dog to have been given a non-harmful purple rinse with its coiffeur. As per the platform size adjectives,my vote goes tp voluminous.
This almost seems like as much a milestone for you Geoff as much as London commuters, it's been years you've been following the progress. It's also nice to see the youth interested in such a project.
As someone who was on the first train this morning I just want to say that despite being a large UA-camr, Geoff still made the time to communicate with eager rail fans both off and on camera and really tried to make everyone who came along feel very welcomed and included! It was a real privelige to see the genuine enthusiasm and inspiring passion Geoff has for his fans and the railway firsthand. Geoff please never stop making videos! It was a real pleasure to meet you today.
One of these days they'll get Geoff to do the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony,or at least do the honours with the invited dignitaries with a pair of scissors each.
I think you were on my 06:55 train from Abbey wood, I'm pretty sure I saw you get off at Whitechapel in my monitors... glad you enjoyed the day, it was amazing to see it from the drivers perspective. Such a good atmosphere all day and the feel good story the capital needed!
Jordan made me happy - so easy to forget how much step free access changes the world for people.
I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to just say a quick hello and take a photo with your fans. It made so many days mine included and I can't wait to watch this video now!
I agree
I’m an American living in Orlando and have followed you, Geoff, for quite long time. I’m also a huge fan of the U.K., Ireland, and all of Europe, along with great rail travel. Where I live we have next to no really great public transport like the Tube in London, and I’m always so envious of your system. I love visiting places in the U.S. like Chicago and New York that have decent public transport, but it still pales in comparison to the system in London. I love how iconic the whole brand is, to the point of selling merchandise, but also how well kept and organized the whole system is. I can’t wait for my next opportunity to get back to London, but I just wish we could improve our systems in the U.S. too.
excited for Brightline to come to Orlando?
We need federal officials who are willing to invest in making Amtrak a truly useful passenger network as well as a cargo network. The results would probably take longer than a single term, or even two terms, to realize, but it would do so much good for the public.
@@dominateeye Agreed.
@@dominateeye u guys have the money for it as well, if ur politicians had better priorities you could have the best public transport systems in the world
I have hope for the US, most young people are realising cars are not the answer and better public transport is!
Got it from Abbey Wood to Canary Wharf and back later in the day for the commute. It saves so much time compared to the old route! And is so quiet too!
I am sure that this video will become the most important piece of work you have ever done Geoff - for you and for us all! It is not just about the history that has happened today - without any doubt, the opening of CrossElizPurp is something similar to opening of the Underground 150 plus years ago - This video simply tells a story of so many amazing people, who designed, built and managed this complicated process, who will run, maintain and operate this railway every day giving their best. It is about the people who will use it, for whom this piece of infrastructure will become a part of everyday life and about the people who are just super excited about it being finally open. Geoff, the fact that you took your time to spend this amazing day with everybody described above as well as your personal friends, fans and officials (who were all equal today despite different roles) gave us the most beautiful and wholehearted 17 minutes you've ever delivered to us! ❤️ This video will become a statement of equality and humanity for future generations! Even though I am writing this comment from far away from Poland, today in my thoughts I was together with all of you there, on the Elizabeth Line in London. Geoff, thank you for that milestone you have brought us to (after years of waiting)! ☺️
It’s been an amazing 12 years to see this feat of architecture in London. Cheers Geoff for keeping me updated
No love for the engineers?
@@SMSBJM1981 Absolutely! My brother was an engineer working on the tracks between Custom House and Whitechapel, too!
Geoff, that moment when you get on the first train going the other direction and everyone greets you was wonderful, and it shows how much you're loved and appreciated not just on UA-cam, but in real life. Enjoy the week!
*_LOVE_* the video, Geoff!! Your purple streak, the cheerful announcer at Custom House, 🤫 _yellow escalators_ 🤫, all the people - me actually squeaking "Karl!" and then "Roger!!" when they appeared 🤭 - the general enthusiasm of everyone, the sing-along at the end... THANK YOU for capturing (and same-day editing!!!) this wonderful day for us, and especially those of us who couldn't be there - it almost felt as if we were 🤩
(And now you go sleep the sleep of the just 😴)
Geoff! Well isn’t that just remarkably joyful. Fantastic from beginning to end - a grand hats off to everyone. Purple train, puuurple train !!!
Having Geoff being so excited about trains always was a joy for me, that's why I even watch these videos every now and then.
But random people actually baking cupcakes for the new purple line put it on another level, so wholesome!
Yeah, I think the cupcake person was the real breakout star of this all.
Purple Train!!! What can I say - it had to be done!!! Another lovely one Geoff. Thanks so much.
People on the tube, locals at that, _talking_ to each other! I never thought I’d see the day.
We are living in the future.
Got it today at 8am from Paddington. Everyone was looking around in appreciation, I kept catching people's eyes - at every stop people were looking out of the windows. People were not on their phones (for one day only).
I work in the City and this will save me 40 mins a day return Paddington to Liverpool Street, and my family live abroad so again, will save loads of time to get home from the Stansted Express. I felt so happy to be there today, I hope my great-great grandchildren will say "Grandma Hannah was there on the first day." Thanks Geoff as always ❤️
Genuinely brought a tear to my eye seeing Geoff's excitement watching this, great vid Geoff!
Tear to my eye?
@@bobparsons77 yes really, I don’t why but there you go
The excitement of everyone in this video is infectious and so joyful. Can't wait to try out the purple train on Friday
Another Geoff Marshall triumph, Geoff, well done! I think the management of CrossElizPurp ought to express their thanks to YOU, as well as the thousands of Engineers, concrete workers, welders, crane drivers, TBM drivers and repairers and even more thousands of admin staff, who all, together, built the new line. But no-one, no-one has ben as loyal and ENTHUSIASTIC as you. Well done mate.
This made me SO HAPPY!!!! Love your energy your caring your humanism!!
Everybody in this video is happy light hearted and having fun
Thanks so much for your good positive crazy contagious energy.
Touches my heart!!!
All you crazy Londoners we're super happy for you!!!
Cheers for Montreal
Imagine! Having public transportation! Brilliant. People able to reach jobs, gyms, friends, etc. without gassing up a car. Here in the US, and glad to hear new rail made accessible to people elsewhere. Looks great!
It’s the same for me here in the gulf. No public transport and we’re dependent on cars. Some day!
Well the Journeys (particulary from the North Side of the River, always were possible , just took a long time. Even Abbey Wood -> London Bridge 27min by SouthEastern, London Bridge->Bond Street( Jubilee ). Bond Street-> Ealing Broadway (Central) or London Bridge-Baker Street. Bakert Street Paddington , Paddington Ealing Broadway. So nowhere in London I suggest is more than 3 changes of rail plus a bus each end away from anywhere else in London.
@@highpath4776 "..nowhere in London I suggest is more than 3 changes of rail plus a bus each end away from anywhere else.."
In my case it's about a 15 minute drive to the grocery, no sidewalks or bike lane. Nearest bus 35-40 min. Train? Hour 30?
@@nunyabidnis3815 10 min walk to the 24hr store, 8 min to the big store open 7-11. or bus to the bigger town centre 10 min ride every 7mins tops. And was much the same when I lived in East London (OK Big Store a bit further away If I wanted more than one choice)
Your infectious enthusiasm is contagious Geoff (Blimey, that's a mouthful). Loved "Purple Train" at the end - release the song immediately and they can play it over the PA's in All The Stations.
Love the enthusiasm and dynamic between you and your fans. Big mutual respect.
I took the line today - TFL RAIL Hayes & harlington to Paddington and then to Liverpool Street
Got to Paddington at 6:30am and it was PACKED. The train ride took a whole 10 minutes to Liverpool Street! So spacious, it felt great. Really pleased to use this and not central line anymore :)
Gotta love Geoff. He's more excited a six year old on Christmas morning.
than
Haha yeah.
Great video. It seems TOTALLY fitting to open now, just as the UK celebrates next week a four day jubilee in honour of our fantastic Queen! 70 YEARS on the throne, serving us. Congratulations to everyone.
It's finally here. Thanks Geoff for updating us every step of the way.
Well done Geoff and everyone who contributed to the first set of trains on Tuesday.
my social media has been full of posts about the Purple Train.
Great to see.
Geoff sliding on a station floor and forgetting the length is ✨C I N E M A T I C✨
Couldn't have crafted a better scene.
Nice and clean still before they let the dreaded lift urinators in.
I went to London with my family in July 2013.
Back then, all that existed of Crossrail was the construction site near the Royal Oak tube station, which we could see during the walk from our Airbnb to the train.
I've been keeping my eye on this project and its progress for a decade, and it's finally open.
Congrats, London. Much love from New Jersey 💜
That tunnel portal still wont be used until later in the year when the Western, Reading Paddington branch services will be integrated into the new tunnel section.
It’s been a pleasure riding on this train before my A levels this week, managed to get some much needed stress relief and got to take a picture with you !! thank you for making everyone’s day more special ! 💜😁
Good luck with your exams
@@nonononoa802 thank you 😁😁
More atmosphere here than at a Man City title parade 😂😂 up the lizzy line 🟣⚪️
Good luck 👍
@@basketburger thank you ☺️
It finally opened!!
It would be amazing to see a montage of all your videos about crossrail over time until now.
What a momentous occasion for London and Transport Enthusiasts! Had a great time out there today, believe I saw briefly when I was on a departing train at Custom House. Finally, on behalf on all of us transport enthusiasts, thank you for not only today but through all of the many delays producing such high quality content of the Crossrail Project!!
The most anticipated you tube video of the day. Love geoff enthusiasm and his love of the new line. He looks like the godfather of train nerds as they are much younger yet its probably his videos and tv appearances that made them love it like him. Keep up the great work geoff.
My favourite moment of the video is 13:50 with "that's a great question!". I don't know why but I just loved the honesty behind that so much lol.
Hey, watching this from Sydney. We are going through a similar things with new lines, new stations, revamped old ones, better access for people with disabilities, automated safety barriers, etc. Love your videos. We will be in London on June 11. Can't wait to ride this line!
Many thanks for getting this uploaded on opening day Geoff. I caught the Elizabeth Line from Custom House to Tottenham Court Road this morning just to try it out and was very impressed with the travel time and how quiet and smooth the short journey was. Here's to a bright future for our brand new line.
It's already been more than two years since the Elizabeth Line opened... Time flies !
Congrats to TFL and all who brought the Elizabeth Line to life. It looks amazing! We could only dream of Railway infrastructure projects like this in America.
Living in a city with subpar public transportation it genuinely warms my heart to see the public coming together to celebrate a new way to commute. Truly this is why public transportation should be celebrated: because it shrinks the city and brings people together.
I think it's great that there's this much joy and festiveness about the opening of a transit line.
What a totally amazing day! I loved every minute of it! Believe it or not, this video does not even come close to the level of joy and excitement that today has brought me personally. To see so many people out there enjoying the railway and spotting more than the odd few #PurpleTrain t-shirt on trains and in stations was quite humbling for me. I'm going back for more tomorrow!
Hello Geoff!! It was lovely to meet you on the train! You have the exact same energy on and off camera!
The new Crossrail/ Elizabeth line #purpletrain looks really really nice.
Very nice trains & beautifully designed & built stations.
My favourite Elizabeth Line Station is Canary Wharf.
Step-free access & the platform doors is some of the new features that i really like on this new railway line in England.
Next new railway line to come is HS2 in about 8 - 10 years from now.
It feels like Geoff either knows everyone in this video, or his sheer enthusiasm brings all strangers together. Either way, I absolutely love him
The opening week energy you get from huge lines opening like this is probably the best part of the experience, even watching it from outside London you still feel engaged with everyone and you feel their exitment. It is a genuine joy that you just can’t get in any other experience. The Elizabeth Line has been in development for so long so to finally see real trains rolling through real platforms carrying real people is super cool. If I ever visit London I will 100% take the time to ride on the purple train.
Safe travels!
Let's hope soon it will become when I visit London not if
I *just* returned from my CrossElizPurpLineTrain day 1 excursion and I must say - *it's bloody cool*
A proper Brit 😂💜🚆
I'm sure "CrossElizPurpLineTrain" is what all the cool kids will be calling it.
Hey Geoff! Thanks for sharing the Purple Train opening! Here I am, laid up in hospital in the States, and it was like being there. Thanks again!
I’ve lived in Woolwich most of my life and worked in abbey wood for about two years now so I’m extremely grateful for the arrival of the Elizabeth line at last 🤩 . It usually takes minimum of 1 hour to get into central London from where I live so this is a dream! It was so lovely to see all the people taking pictures and smiling when I tried it for the first time this afternoon too. The joy is palpable
So you live in Woolwich and work in Abbey Wood - the purple line has made your leisure journeys better - That is such a relief to everyone outside of London who uses public transport. £20+bn overspent, 5yrs late, 5yrs missed revenue. They should have quietly launched this line...
@@j.wellens5660 bitter and sad
@@sarasaeed6349 mellow and lively
@@sarasaeed6349 as a true northerner I will happily take those adjectives with a hell of a lot of proud.Have you got any more you want to throw my way?
🎶Purple train🎶 needs to be recorded I really want to see it in the charts and I've never seen Geoff so happy and enthusiastic 💜💜 I can't wait to ride it for the first time in June hopefully thank you for every moment Geoff we love you
Geoff, I was pleased to see you so excited! The Elizabeth line today has been probably exhausting for you, but you still made time to share your experience and also the public’s opinion with it too! I hope you keep your enthusiasm for these new CAPACIOUS trains! And remember, “to the trains!”
It was lovely to see you today Geoff, an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you, and now your highly anticipated toy of a railway is completed, have fun playing with it this week haha.
I was thrilled to get to ride it opening day. Geoff, your enthusiasm is so pure and contagious! Hope to meet you on the train soon!
Such a great train to ride. As a Danish family, we found ourselves in London on holiday this week, and the Geoff was kind enough to open a brand new train line. Our daughter was just SO excited (me too). But riding the PurpleTrain also kind of ruins the ride on the general Underground trains. How can you go back to crowded platforms, bumpy and noisy rides, when you can go purple instead… Congrats to London for your new Elizabeth line 🎉
For me,there times when the noise of the train rides on the old lines can be a little intrusive but most of the time it's a reassuringly familiar part of the whole experience.
Gave the trains a try at 10.50 this morning the first day(!), Paddington to Abbey Wood straight through, did what John Bull did (9:13) hung around, took a few souvenir photos, and came straight back Abbey Wood to Paddington - all I can say is absolutely fabulous, it surpasses the Paris RER Ligne A but guess it would 48 years later. Feel that acceleration leaving Bond Street...whooosh!
Yeah, are top speeds really 150KM an hour?!
A whole lot of people who are all just so excited to be here; that's the best feeling. A few days from now, this will be a mundane train line that people will ride like any other. But just for a moment, it's something special.
Geoff, that video has got me smiling from ear to ear. I've followed the trials and tribulations of the Lizzy/Purp/Crossrail on your channel for years, and it was so good to see you there on the day. I'm travelling down to London on 2nd June to visit the line. I can't wait.
Lizzy Line - that's the best name I've heard for it yet 🙂
Was good to see you again Geoff after so long.
For those of you wondering i'm at 3:31 with the tote bag and masks on shouting "Yes we are"
Thank you for really capturing the spirit of the opening day Geoff. I'm very much looking forward to travelling on the line later this week as part of my daily commute.
I love how happy and excited everybody is! Wish I could nave been there!
excellent video. I have followed the progress for years. mainly through Geoff and his sheer knowledge and great enthusiasm. I will try it very soon. thanks, Geoff for helping me feel the passion you do. great job
someone commneted "Wow, what a video and what an amazing day. Geoff you never fail to
disappoint. Loved the sing song even though Jemma lost her voice she
still shined ❤" and I fully agree - This is the video we all need Geoff, such good work
Thanks for the opportunity to meet you yesterday, and thanks for signing my Purple card (and my friends blank ticket) :)
What an achievement and thank you for showing us its development. Watching from far northwest USA.
This is SO geeky, but I loved it! Well done Geoff & all the enthusiasts who participated!
What an incredible feat of engineering and architecture. Mad
Not to mention the even more incredible feat of budget and timescale failure. Now that's madness.
@@j.wellens5660 Not really. Every major public infrastructure project in recent years has had budget and timetable overruns, both in the UK and abroad. (Interestingly, there is very little media focus on the ongoing repairs and maintenance works to the UK's vast road network, in both cases budget and timetable overruns are also commonplace). True, in the case of Crossrail a delay of 3.5 years is perhaps a bit extreme (though covid was also a factor), but on the other hand, the Germans weren't able to open their new Berlin airport for almost 10 years, even though it was basically finished! Now, are some of the cost and timetable overruns due to corruption or shoddy management? Sure. But part of the issue is also engineers being under intense political pressure to deliver incredibly complex projects in a time and budget that may just about work if everything goes exactly to plan, but things never really do in practice. Then, if there's unforeseen delays and the railway is opened "on time" but still unfinished and there happens to be a massive accident later on because safety standards weren't being met, the public outcry will be even greater. So, I think this is less about massive public infrastructure projects costing what they do and more about politicians being dishonest about the cost and complexity.
@@andrewoakeshott7759 I think we are dancing around the same point. The problem is with public sector procurement - and not just recent years! - whether it's a high profile project like the Elizabeth line or HS1/HS2, etc etc, or local schemes like the local cycle lane project close to where I live which cut ground in Oct 2021 with a stated completion date of 13 weeks, which is still far from finished. What I was trying to argue was the madness in the logic that because each consecutive major project goes more overbudget it's ok that the next one does too .
Thank you so much for taking a selfie with me earlier today. I was the bloke who ambushed you at Liverpool Street just near the escalator on the platform as you were rushing. You were so kind! Thank you 😊👊
I went on the Elizabeth line this morning. The new stations (at least their platforms) looked BEAUTIFUL.
I'm certainly gonna be taking it to MCM Comic-Con on Friday.
I am freaking loving how excited people are over this new line. Good public transport really is the key.
This was joyous. Felt like the end of one era and the start of a new one.
Finally after 5 years of construction the line is now opened!
Hopefully I’ll give this a ride when I come back to london next month
5 is the understatement of the century.
Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺 What a magnificent new railway you have. Great video and wonderful people. Keep up the great work. Humanity is better off with people like you all.
David, as someone who lives in the UK but nowhere near London, please don't think the Elizabeth Line is representative of the railway service in the UK outside of the London area. The services between the biggest cities in Northern England, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, are light years behind what is available in the London commuter belt.
Amazing, and the Lizzie line is not bad as well! You’re turning all of us into train nerds with your enthusiasm…and fans of this new line/London. Give that man an MBE for services to Londoners, London Transport and the planet.
It's wonderful to see such a large project that will change so much finally come to fruition. The excitement is certainly contageous!
Absolutely - as witnessed by the regular commuter interviewed in the video who is grateful for the 5 minute saving in his journey time. That's £20bn well spent.
@@j.wellens5660 And again... Now, just to be clear, it's not that I agree with London's hustle culture, but 5 minutes saved in London are indeed economically significant. However, the average commuter will save a lot more time than that (Geoff also made a helpful video illustrating how much travel times between stations will be cut.). That said, what ALWAYS gets ignored in these discussions (and HS2 is another good example) is that the main benefits are not just reduced travel times, but additional and much needed capacity to the network. And if anyone has ever been on the cramped Central line (and other deep level tube lines) they'll be happy to know that this will indeed take a lot of pressure off parts of the underground network. Now, if you're from the North and your comment was related to how public infrastructure projects (and much else) in the North of England and Scotland are chronically underfunded, while London gets billions in investment, then as a Scot and someone with a dad born in Newcastle, I'm with you all the way. However, that doesn't make Crossrail any less impressive on its own merits.
@@andrewoakeshott7759 I think we are pretty much on common ground. I'm impressed with the scale and scope and potential of the Crossrail project. I'm infuriated by the budget overspend, timescale creep, and apparent lack of response to these budgetary divergences from any of our political parties or the civil servants whose job it is to oversee these projects. ( and yes - I do live/abide in/from somewhere that is north of the M25.
@@j.wellens5660 True. The fact that no one is really prepared to get to the bottom of cost and budget overruns (even if they may just be down to politicians lying about the true cost and complexity of projects) is a problem. However, I reckon that whether it's corruption, bad management or simply political dishonesty, in any case, there's a vested interest on behalf of those involved (construction firms, contractors and politicians) to leave the voting public in the dark as to the reasons why, which is certainly regrettable..
@@j.wellens5660 plenty of journeys take half what they used to. I get it, I agree there ought to be more transport infrastructure outside London much much more (it's mad that Manchester and Birmingham don't have a tube) but to say it will save only 5 minutes is a little disingenuous
So exciting! Popped to Liverpool Street and back between a quick shop at Abbey Wood Sainsburys and going home for tea. Everyone was so excited! Amazing, every 5 minutes! Staff brilliant. Connections amazing! Saw people, dogs, wheel chairs, my crutches…..wonderful!
I was on the train this morning, and I thought to myself, despite Her Majesty's presence last week, its not really open until the Geoff Marshall video comes out.
Really enjoyed riding the line on the opening day. What an amazing atmosphere!
The whole thing is great in every respect except for two things:
Firstly the lighting throughout the trains and many areas of the stations feels a bit dull. I guess that's intended to create a calming atmosphere.
Secondly the lack of toilets beyond the barrier. I was very ... errr ... 'relieved' that there were loos at Abbey Wood station. At Paddington there were no facilities other than in the mainline station as far as I could tell, despite the acres of space that are available for toilets to be installed. It's a long way from Reading to Abbey Wood for anyone with range anxiety! Can't imagine the lifts are going to smell new for very long ;)
Today will make transport history. Thank you so much for creating such high quality content for all of us out here, much appreciated
What a cheerful upbeat video. Thanks
Is this the Pinnacle of Geoff's UA-cam channel excellence??? 10years in the making from when starting doing secrets of the underground back in 2011...
I was so excited to go on a new railway line on its first day, I don't know if I'll ever be able to do something like that ever again. I'll never forget this day! Sad that I didn't get to meet you Geoff as I had to travel in the afternoon as I had school.
I watched most of this thinking my gosh, Geoff is so happy he's absolutely hyper, he's buzzing!. then I realized I had playback set at 1.25. watched the last bit at normal speed, you were just normal levels of excited then.
Omg the finale sequence is PRICELESS 🔥
5:00 it's impossible to put it better than this person did. Being able to get on and off the trains as everybody else would is game-changing. I wish more people understood this. LEVEL BOARDING EVERYWHERE, NOW!
Well done London! Lets have another Crossrail.....Purple Train..Purple Train......
probably one of the best purple train videos ever props to you Geoff
A bit late but I rode the Elizabeth line for the 1st time last week from Tottenham Court Road ti Custom House & I came across this! Love the Purple Train song & your enthusiasm!! 💜🚉💟
Absolutely delighted to see Carl in the video. He's a joy to watch
'Purple Train' - Prince would be honoured! 🎼🚉👏🏾⭐❤
Geoff you are a legend, you inspired me to take a ride on the The Purple Train yesterday, got on at Abbey Wood and went all the way to Paddington and back, then to Woolwich, before heading back home via Tottenham Court Road, this Line will be life changing. Keep up the good work, huge fan and love your enthusiasm 👌🏾
Oh my word, Geoff always goes above and beyond in his videos!
Keep it up!
I’ve been following the coverage of the #CrossElizPurpTrain since forever and this is such a significant moment on this channel. I’m so excited to see what lies in store for the future of the line.
What a true and honest experience, the train went out and zapped to the extreme!
I LOVE the purple hair and the shirt :-)
Honestly, it's just awesome to see everyone so excited for the new line - fab video as always geoff.