Signalling upgrade starts on LU sub-surface lines
INSTALLATION of new signalling equipment between Edgware Road and Hammersmith has started, marking the resumption of a long-planned upgrade of London Underground’s Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
Thales is fitting Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) equipment that will increase capacity on the four lines by a third in the early 2020s. The technology will provide Automatic Train Control via Thales’ proven Seltrac CBTC system.
The contract replaces a £345 million deal signed with Bombardier Transportation in June 2011 and cancelled by Transport for London (TfL) in December 2013. Thales’ contract is worth £760m and was awarded in August 2015.
The Circle Line is first in line for the signalling upgrade in 2021, enabling train frequency to increase to 32 trains per hour in central London in the following year. The programme is due to be completed in 2023. LU will then introduce new trains and control systems for the Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines.
“This is a major step in delivering this vital upgrade for millions of our customers,” said LU Managing Director Andrew Pollins.
“The signalling system on these lines is one of the oldest in use anywhere in the world, with parts of it dating back to the 1930s. The use of this newer, more sophisticated signalling system will mean more frequent, more reliable and less crowded journeys, and will help us meet rapidly growing customer demand.”
Thales Vice President of Ground Transportation Systems Alistair McPhee added: “The achievement of this major milestone on the Four Lines Modernisation project is a great testament to the continuing success of our ‘One Team’ approach - Thales and London Underground delivering a better service to passengers together. Getting installation under way takes us another step forward on our journey to provide the capacity on the network that London needs.”
Labour’s London Assembly Transport Spokesman Florence Eshalomi welcomed the start of work, saying: “With London’s transport network bursting at the seams, it’s good to see that the Tube upgrade is finally moving forward. This project was set back significantly when the last Mayor’s signalling contract with Bombardier fell through, costing taxpayers tens of millions of pounds.
“With London’s population growing, and passenger numbers increasing with it, many will be relieved that this vital upgrade work is finally back on track.”