The new Elizabeth tube line has reached the dress rehearsal stage ahead of its expected launch in 2022. 

Passengers will be able to take the new train between Paddington and Abbey Wood station from the first half of early next year. 

Ahead of its launch, the Elizabeth line will undergo a trial stage to ensure the safety and reliability of the railway for public use and to test the planned timetables. 

There will also be over 150 scenarios carried out over the coming month by transport agencies and emergency services. 

News Shopper: The new line is currently undergoing dress rehearsals. (PA) The new line is currently undergoing dress rehearsals. (PA) (Image: PA)

What do the dress rehearsals include?

The exercises that will be practiced include ensuring that staff can respond to incidents including signal failures and customers being unwell. 

One of the most complex exercises that will be practiced in the evacuation of trains and stations using thousands of staff and volunteers.

Following the dress rehearsal stage, the line will go into a period of "shadow running" in which the line will operate without passengers. 

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan said the trial phase is a "significant milestone' into the new line that will boost the capital's economy. 

Adding that "The next few months are crucial to making sure the railway can open safely next year, and everyone is working incredibly hard to reach that goal."