Shenfield, the Essex town long associated with rail replacement buses due to Crossrail construction, is now connected to the Elizabeth line. The new route runs through London to Reading, but commuters will have to wait until autumn for a direct service into Central London, once connecting tunnels are completed. Currently, passengers must change at Liverpool Street or Paddington.
Lauren Kelly, 31, who drives from Brentwood to Shenfield station, says the 23-minute journey to Liverpool Street suits her family. 'We have an 18-month-old baby so keeping our commute short is important,' she said. Leo Lambert, manager of the Foureighty coffee shop, notes local businesses have thrived post-lockdown and he is considering extending hours. 'We've pulled people back into their communities,' he said.
Bryan Naylor, 62, travelling from Romford, hopes the Elizabeth line will ease congestion on the Central line. He plans to use it to reach Heathrow Airport once that section opens. 'From Stratford, I think I can get there in about 20 minutes,' he said. Nish Patel, owner of Shenfield Wine Company, is less optimistic, noting that frequent closures and parking issues have hurt trade. 'Commuters don't shop in Shenfield,' he said.
Estate agent Jacob Farson believes the Elizabeth line's impact on house prices has already been felt. He warns that the journey may take longer due to additional stops, making it less attractive for existing residents. Shenfield, with a population of 5,400, offers good schools and independent shops, but some question the line's benefits for local commerce.
