Crossrail first look: See the Elizabeth line’s new purple moquette seat design

Londoners have been waiting years for the much-heralded Crossrail project to open, connecting the east, west and south of the city.

The new Tube - called the Elizabeth line - has been described as a “game changer” for the capital.

The first section of the line - between Paddington and Abbey Wood - will open by no later than June 30.

Ahead of its opening we’ve had a first look at the new purple moquette design, which will be a trademark of the new Elizabeth line.

‘Moquette’ is a woven pile fabric. With an almost velvet-like texture, it’s comfortable but still extremely durable, making it ideal for seats on public transport.

Transport for London’s moquette designs incorporate a repeat geometric pattern which is easily matched when upholstering seats, as well as helping to reduce wastage and keep costs down.

The new bespoke Elizabeth line moquette is a mix of purples, blues, greys, and beige, with small flashes of orange and red – a colour scheme reflecting the line’s royal associations and echoing the purple of the new line signage.

The design will cover several hundred thousand seats, complimenting the stylish new finishes of the train interior.

According to TfL, the choice of interior colours and moquette are designed to ‘create a calm, consistent look and feel, that won’t date.’