Deteriorating TfL network leading to increased delays for passengers

Customers on the Transport for London (TfL) network are losing over 800,000 hours each week on average so far in 2026-27 due to issues with deteriorating assets.¹

TfL estimates that its renewals backlog – which includes issues with tracks, trains and signals - has reached £6.5 billion² and is projected to increase under current funding assumptions.³

Issues with underground tracks requiring renewal are causing significant financial pressures. The scale of the track renewals backlog is estimated at over £3.2 billion⁴ and there are reports that 42 per cent of track has been classified by TfL as being in "very poor" condition and a further 17 per cent is in a “poor” condition.⁵

The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee has today written to the Mayor, calling on TfL to publish a clear strategy for preventing further growth in the capital renewals backlog and to return key assets to a sustainable state of good repair, in its 2027-28 Budget submission to in November.

Neil Garratt AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee, said:

“Deteriorating assets are making TfL services less reliable every year, leaving Londoners and visitors trying to get around the capital to suffer ever more stressful and uncertain journeys.

“With 42% of TfL's track classed as very poor condition and a further 17% in poor condition, TfL customers are losing over 800,000 hours per week on average this year. We need urgent action.

“Worryingly, even if the money to fix the £6.5 billion backlog arrived tomorrow, it would likely take at least a decade to complete the work, meaning these reliability problems are set to continue."

“The consequences of underinvestment include congestion, slower journeys, road restrictions, reduced accessibility and reduced reliability.
 
“The longer we allow TfL assets to deteriorate, the greater economic impact it will have on our city.

“With the Mayor’s 2027-28 budget on the way, we must see progress from TfL and the Mayor to ensure funding is in place to reduce this £6.5bn figure. This will allow for improvements in service reliability, boost passenger numbers and generate additional fare revenue, allowing TfL to reinvest in and enhance the services available to London.”

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