Transport for LondonVictoria line facts
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The Victoria line, the first deep-level Underground line to be built across central London since the "tube boom" of 1905-1907, links Walthamstow in north east London with Brixton in south London.
The line opened in stages between 1968 and 1971 penetrating areas of north and south London not previously served by the Underground and designed to ease congestion in the north-east to West End corridor.
The line's origins can be traced back to the Second World War when it was included in the 1943 County of London Plan.
The constraints of the war years and the subsequent re-organisation and nationalisation of London's transport caused the plan to be postponed, and Parliamentary Powers to build the line were not obtained until 1955. Further delays in obtaining funds meant that actual construction work did not start until 1962.
Improving the Victoria line
Victoria line facts
Journey from Brixton to Walthamstow takes 32 minutes and trains run every two minutes during peak periods in each direction
The Victoria line covers 21km (13.25 miles) and serves 16 stations. The whole line is below ground except for Northumberland Park depot where overhaul and maintenance work is carried out.
The line has 43 trains, of which 37 trains are currently needed for service in the peak periods.
The journey from Brixton to Walthamstow takes 32 minutes and trains run every two minutes during peak periods in each direction.
The fleet was designed for the opening of the line and is known as 1967 tube stock, manufactured by Metro-Cammell of Birmingham, with each train made up of eight cars. The trains were refurbished by Tickford Rail Ltd at Rosyth Royal Dockyard between 1991-1995.
Once the Train Operator has closed the train doors and pressed the start buttons, the trains run automatically to the next station, responding to coded impulses transmitted through the track. The Victoria Line was the first automatic passenger railway in the world!
Victoria line management
The Victoria line's General Manager is Rob Smith.
London Underground is responsible for the maintenance, upgrading and renewal of the Victoria line's assets.
Further information
If you wish to comment on the Victoria line services, or would like to know more about the line, please contact us.
