TfL overhauling London Underground trains including 'cracks' fixes as more cash needed for new stock

Transport for London (TfL) has outlined how it is keeping Underground trains fit to serve customers as it waits for more cash to pay for brand new stock. TfL officials and Sadiq Khan, who is the authority's Chair, have been saying for years that more money from central government is needed to upgrade Tube trains.

In the meantime, bosses have organised smaller scale projects to ensure stock are safe to ride. Documents from earlier this year stated that, on the Victoria line, a 'fleet overhaul and depot control system renewals' are being completed.

Papers read: "We completed installation of the pressurised ventilation system, coupler overhaul, trailer wheelset overhaul, phase1 of door works across fleet and phase two of door works on 32 of 47 trains."

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On the Metropolitan line, there is a fleet overhaul and an upgrade of bogies - the structure which supports the train carriages and includes wheels, bearings, and axles - underway. This is 'progressing to plan', with 57 of 60 trains completed.

'Financial constraints' taking their toll

A fleet overhaul is also happening on the District line. But this has been hit by 'financial constraints.' Documents read: "We are progressing with preparations and work scoping to start overhaul of the S7 fleet (Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines) in 2025/26 at a reduced rate of one train per period due to financial constraints."

On the Jubilee line, a fleet overhaul and component renewal is progressing. This includes fixing 'cracks'. Papers said: "We completed programmed lifts on 28 of 63 trains. In March 2024, we awarded the contract to repair the underframe cracks."

The Piccadilly line fleet is also being overhauled, and signalling renewals are being done. TfL says it has completed programme lift and phase one door overhauls. It has also completed approximately 90 per cent of phase two door overhauls. The line is getting brand new trains, the first of which is due to be rolled out in 2025.

On the Central line, meanwhile, there are fleet and signalling renewals and incremental signalling upgrades. In Quarter 4, the first refurbished train as part of the £500 million Central Line Improvement Programme (CLIP) successfully operated through-tunnel runs and served an equivalent of 50,000 passenger journeys, as of June 2024.

'Key assets' on Central line replaced

Documents added in the summer: "The Central line signalling life extension and Control and information projects continue to make progress on obsolescence and maintainability by replacing key assets on the Central line. In March 2024, in collaboration with Siemens, there was a successful 52-hourclosure on the east end of the Central line.

"New assets were tested and commissioned to replace obsolescent signalling room assets at Debden, Epping, and Theydon Bois. Feasibility and planning for the first tranche of the incremental upgrade to the signalling interlocking computers on the east end of the line continues, with full contract award expected in the first quarter of 2026."

On the Bakerloo line, a fleet overhaul, LED lighting conversion and signalling upgrade are underway. Papers stated: "We completed the overhaul of traction motors and wheels.

"Work is continuing on programme lift (50 per cent completed), heavy overhauls (60 per cent completed) and trailer wheels (15 per cent completed). We achieved 100 per cent LED conversion on the fleet in April 2024.

"Ten trains are also fitted with wheelchair bays and the new passenger information system passed live testing on the line."

Rachel Reeves has provided £485 million to the city's capital renewals programme in 2025-26. MyLondon understands that this includes funding for rolling stock on the Tube's Piccadilly line and the Elizabeth line.

In addition, it is understood that the funding could help deliver new trains and depots on the Piccadilly line and DLR, as well as upgrades to District and Metropolitan line signalling. The cash could also help with purchasing new trams and Bakerloo line stock.

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