Transport for LondonWaterloo & City line facts
Skip to navigationHistory
The Waterloo & City Line (or 'Drain'), London's second deep level tube railway, opened in 1898. It was promoted by the London and South Western Railway whose trains terminated at Waterloo and was intended then - as now - to offer commuters a direct rail link to and from the City of London.
The original wooden-built trains survived until 1940 when they were replaced by specially designed tube-sized cars embodying the relatively unrefined technology of the Southern Railway's surface stock, which had been superseded on the Underground several years earlier. These trains were to survive until 1993. In 2006 the line underwent major upgrade works which included: new track, improved signalling and new-look trains. From early 2007 there will be 20 - 25 percent more peak-time trains.
Improving the Waterloo & City line
Waterloo & City line facts
Number of passengers on the Waterloo & City line
| Weekday | Saturday | Sunday | Annual (mil) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37,173 | 4,064 | 0 | 9.616 |
The 2.37km (1.5-mile) line links Waterloo with Bank without any intermediate stations. The five new four-car trains, known as 1992-tube stock, manufactured by Adtranz in Derby are of identical design to those on the Central line and four trains are required to operate the peak period service.
The 2.37km (1.5-mile) line links Waterloo with Bank without any intermediate stations
The depot for the line is at Waterloo (London Road). The line is wholly in tunnel and physically isolated from all other railways.
The Waterloo & City line remained under separate management from the London Underground for almost 100 years, but on 1 April 1994 London Underground took over the line from British Rail.
Waterloo & City line management
The Waterloo & City line's General Manager is Tricia Ashton.
London Underground is responsible for the maintenance, upgrading and renewal of the Waterloo & City line's assets.
Further information
If you wish to comment on the Waterloo & City line services, or would like to know more about the line, please contact us.
