The soft launch of the paper, which officially hits the streets on a full run this Wednesday, will take place in the Zone 1 area outside as yet unnamed Tube stations. The paper will be handed out by Associated's own vendors to commuters.
In contrast, thelondonpaper is not due to launch until September 4, and that date has already been brought forward by two weeks from September 18.
Associated Newspapers is keen to stress that, although the paper being handed out will be similar to what can be expected at launch, what Londoners will see will not be "the finished product".
Associated has already revealed that London Lite will be distributed from 12.30pm until the evening rush-hour, picking up where sister title Metro has left off.
This gives it is a bigger distribution window than its rival. Thelondonpaper is expected to be handed out between 4.30pm and 7.30pm and will also have a printrun of 400,000.
The two publishers will also continue to battle for rights to distribute through Network Rail and Tube stations. The Tube distribution contract is expected in the autumn, while the Network Rail contract is currently on hold.
The coming freesheet war will bring a 10p cover price rise for Associated's paid-for Evening Standard from 40p to 50p, in what has been described as a move "upmarket" for the title.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .
.jpg)
.jpg)