Transport for LondonA new tail improves service on the Circle line
The changes, which will start on Sunday, December 13, will increase the frequency of trains between Hammersmith and Edgware Road, and increase reliability on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City (H&C) and Metropolitan lines.
The extension is the first phase of the sub-surface lines upgrade which, when all phases are complete, will include a new fleet of air-conditioned trains and a new state-of-the-art signalling system.
The Circle line is currently shown as a single line on the Underground map.
However, it also shares tracks with the H&C, District and Metropolitan lines, which means any disruption on these lines can also cause delays to the Circle.
At present, Circle line trains move around the line without a fixed start and end point, so delays can build up over time making it harder to offer a regular or reliable service.
Howard Collins, chief operating officer of London Underground, said: 'The new service on the Circle line will improve the reliability of the line, enabling services to recover more quickly if there is a disruption.
'The added benefit will be the improved service on the Hammersmith & City line from Edgware Road round to Hammersmith, significantly increasing frequency on that route.'
When is a circle not a circle?
The extended service will see trains run from Hammersmith (H&C station) to Edgware Road station and then join the current Circle, making a single loop and terminating back at Edgware Road.
Trains will then reverse and do the full circle anti-clockwise, returning to Hammersmith.
This will ensure that the service is able to recover quicker if there is disruption on the Circle or any of the lines that it shares tracks with.
Passengers will be able to get information about the new service from their local Tube station and online from tfl.gov.uk
Plan your trip using the Circle line by going online to tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner
