Why London Underground line 'won't improve until end of the year' as train revamp delayed

Central line trains in a TfL workshop
-Credit: (Image: Adam Toms/MyLondon)


London Underground customers are unlikely to see improvements to services until the end of the year after the arrival of refurbished trains has been delayed. Sadiq Khan, and Transport for London (TfL) bosses say the delivery of a brand new fleet of trains was not possible as they had not been given enough cash by central government.

Instead, carriages are being renovated with new seats, LED lighting, CCTV and IT systems. A new moquette, wheels and motors are also being installed.

However, engineers told MyLondon in November that technical constraints mean that it is not possible to fit air conditioning. Only one upgraded train has re-entered service so far.

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Inside a revamped Central line train
Central line trains are getting a new look -Credit:Adam Toms/MyLondon

MyLondon reported in March that TfL documents from a meeting of the authority's board that month said that the second upgraded train was expected to be rolled out in December. Papers read: "Second Central line train into service after full refurbishment, with modern, reliable traction motors and improved accessibility".

Waits of up to 20 minutes

Although, the Evening Standard reports that a second one is 'due within weeks'. A new timetable that bosses say will improve train frequencies is anticipated by December, the newspaper also says.

Customers have been enduring waits of 'up to 20 minutes' on the Central line’s Hainault 'loop' in East London, which are not expected to shorten until more trains are finished being refurbished. But, the Standard adds, engineers carrying out the 10-week rebuilds and 'snagging and software issues' have meant that no revamped trains have re-entered service since March.

Mr Khan previously told MyLondon during a tour of one of the trains: "The reality is, these trains are more than 30 years old. They are some of the most unreliable trains that we have. The Government's not giving us the money to buy new trains. So we're doing the next best thing."

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