It is not clear to passengers and businesses when the Elizabeth line will open or what services will be available. The Elizabeth line services will open in stages. Services have been running on the eastern and western ends of the line (under the brand name ‘TfL Rail’) since June 2017 and May 2018, respectively. Opening of the central section, known as stage 3, is expected in the first half of 2022. It will operate a shuttle service between Abbey Wood and Paddington. Commuters must change to other Elizabeth line services to continue their journeys on the eastern and western ends. Full east-west services, without an interchange, are not expected until December 2022 or May 2023 as these need to be aligned with National Rail timetable changes which occur in May and December each year. However increased services, such as from the eastern ends through the central section and terminating at Paddington, may open by September 2022. Crossrail Ltd has not yet publicly announced an exact opening date. However, with the opening of central section potentially as soon as February 2022, and the staged opening of different routes, commuters and businesses will need increased certainty to better plan for Crossrail opening. Recommendation: Crossrail Ltd, TfL and the Department should develop a clear communication strategy to the public to explain when and what Elizabeth line services will be open.