LONDON -- Crossrail -- the speedy new London underground service opening in 2018 -- is getting a new regal name.
When it opens up to the public in the service, which will travel from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood, will be known as "The Elizabeth Line".
The Queen unveils a plaque marking @Crossrail 1's naming as the #Elizabethline, in Her Majesty's 90th year pic.twitter.com/FxK0MzP78I— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) February 23, 2016
The jokes weren't far behind the announcement.
"Commissioner: I told you not to use the Elizabeth Line unless Batman wasn't taking calls" pic.twitter.com/3tWnJiVcz1— Castaignede (@Castaignede) February 23, 2016
“Given Her Majesty’s long association with UK transport..." Yeah, few remember now, but she had a brief stint as a signalman #ElizabethLine— Gavriel Hollander (@Gavhollander) February 23, 2016
On the other hand, The Elizabeth Line would make a great name for an emo band.— Joe Shepherd (@dismalplaces) February 23, 2016
Seems like my diehard lefty friend who boycotted the Jubilee Line won't be able to use Crossrail "The Elizabeth Line" either.— John O'Farrell (@mrjohnofarrell) February 23, 2016
I'm going to hate my name by the end of today, aren't I? #elizabethline— Elizabeth Pears (@BizPears) February 23, 2016
Some people were fairly unimpressed with the choice of name.
New TFL line to be called The Elizabeth Line as it costs the taxpayer a lot and doesn't really do anything useful.— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) February 23, 2016
The irony of naming public transport after people who never use it. #elizabethline— Chris Murphy (@below_fold) February 23, 2016
actually 'elizabeth line' is pretty appropriate: it costs loads, it's loved by suburbanites, & the red alternative is perfectly servicable— Sam Kriss (@sam_kriss) February 23, 2016
If anyone uses ‘The Elizabeth Line’ rather than ‘Crossrail’ in my presence, expect me to never speak to you again— Jamie (@j_bwp) February 23, 2016
A few people had suggestions for alternative names.
What about the Lizzie Line, Queen Line or Royal Rail? #elizabethline— Rob Larque (@larky77) February 23, 2016
I personally think the #ElizabethLine should have been called the 'QE Tube'. Just saying. #CrossRail— Tom [PositiveLad] (@PositiveLad) February 23, 2016
I hope the phrase "Getting on Betty" takes off as slang for riding the Elizabeth line.— James Cunningham (@jamescun) February 23, 2016
This person summed the whole thing up pretty well.
The Elizabeth line kerfuffle is a near perfect British tizzy because it combines three elemental touchstones: royalty, London and trains.— Dafydd Foster Evans (@DFosterEvans) February 23, 2016