Transforming the Tube

More than a billion passenger journeys a year are made on London Underground – the oldest metro system in the world, with some infrastructure dating back to the 1860s.

Trains

The majority of train fleets are being replaced to increase the capacity and frequency of the service. The signalling system is also undergoing an upgrade that will reduce the chance of delays.

Stations

Stations are being modernised with upgrades to CCTV, lifts and escalators, fire systems and public address systems. Major work is taking place at key interchanges including Victoria, Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Bank and Bond Street to reduce overcrowding.

Cooling the Tube

The unacceptably high tunnel temperature in the summer is one of the biggest challenges facing London Underground. The Mayor, through Transport for London, is introducing new air-conditioned trains to the sub-surface lines and will improve ventilation shafts and replace fans throughout the rest of the system.

On 2 August 2010, the Mayor unveiled the first in a fleet of 191 new air-conditioned trains on the Tube network. The trains are part the upgrade of the Sub Surface network, which as part of the whole Tube upgrade is vital to meet the growing demand of an increasing population and is central to London being able to continue to act as the economic engine of the country. By 2015, some 40% of the Tube network will have air conditioned trains. 

Environmental improvements

Work is taking place to minimise the power requirements of the new Underground system, for example, by using low-loss conductor rails (which reduce energy use) and regenerative breaking – which allows some energy to be recycled when the trains slow or stop.

Accessibility

London Underground is working to make the Tube network more accessible to everyone by removing as many barriers as possible. A major aim is to establish a network of step-free stations. This will meet the public commitment to make 25 per cent of all stations step-free by 2017. Work for the 2012 Games will provide step-free access at Green Park and Southfields.

Wide-aisle gates are also being installed to assist mobility-impaired passengers, such as those with pushchairs or bulky luggage.

Find out more at Transforming the Tube