19.02.18
TfL completes biggest test of Tube’s signalling upgrade
Transport for London (TfL) has completed a weekend of testing on a brand new signalling system set to transform the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
More trains ran between Hammersmith and Edgware Road this weekend than any other weekend of testing.
TfL says that the new system, which has undergone significant testing since October, will improve reliability and boost capacity on 40% of the Tube network.
The first trains are expected to operate under the new system this summer, with the stretch between Hammersmith and Edgware Road being the first to go live.
The new system is expected to transform one of the oldest part of the Tube into one of the most modern, and will provide more accurate real-time customer information.
It will be introduced gradually over 14 sections of the network. TfL says that customers will benefit from quicker, more frequent services from 2021, with all four lines using the new system by 2023.
The new signalling will allow trains to run closer together, increasing the frequency of services, with 32 trains per hour set to operate in the central London section, which will boost capacity by a third across all four lines.
A new state-of-the-art control centre for all four lines at Hammersmith is also nearing completion.
This will bring all aspects of managing the lines under one roof, helping to ensure a smooth, integrated service.
The fleet of 192 new S-stock trains are now being fitted with the technology needed to operate the new system and train operators have commenced training.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s director of major projects, said: “This work on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines will transform one of the oldest parts of the network into one of the most modern and revolutionise journeys on 40% of the Underground.
“We are investing billions of pounds to make real improvement for customers including making journeys quicker and less crowded.
“The team are working around the clock so that customers can start to experience some of the benefits from this summer.”
Shaun Jones, vice president of transport at Thales in the UK, which provides the system, added: “Thanks to the ongoing hard work of our people, we are creating a world-class transport system for London that will start to deliver benefits this summer.
“Our proven technology will deliver better, more reliable journeys on some of the oldest and most complex parts of the underground network, and we continue to make great progress on this vital upgrade to 40% of the Tube.”
Top image: Tim Ireland PA Images
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