Transport for LondonDistrict line
District Line Manager Kevin Bootle
This weekend we're getting part of the District line ready for the new air-conditioned trains we're bringing in next year.
They're not only air-conditioned, but are walk-through too, meaning they don't have doors separating one carriage from another.
In fact, they're much like the new trains now running on the Metropolitan line.
It's all part of our plan to improve the Tube.
What's going on?
If you travel on the District line, you'll already have seen changes we've introduced to make your journey more comfortable.
We refurbished your trains between 2005 and 2008. They now have automated visual displays and station announcements, plus the reassurance of CCTV.
We also want to make it easier for everyone to use the Tube, so the trains also have tip-up seats which can accommodate wheelchairs or are useful if you're travelling with bulky items like luggage or a buggy.
Faster service
In July 2011, we agreed a new contract - our biggest ever - to deliver a new, modern, centralised system on the District line, together with the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. This state-of-the-art system will replace a number of older systems, including manual signalling dating back to the 1920s at Edgware Road.
We know it's not something you see or take much notice of, but new signalling will allow us to run more trains, more often and with fewer failures. Combined with bigger trains that we can move more quickly and closer together, it'll mean more room - or capacity - on the line.
That's good news because as London keeps growing there'll be more people using the Tube. When the upgrade is complete the line capacity will increase by 24 per cent, which means we can carry about 10,000 more passengers an hour.
New trains
From 2014, we'll be introducing 80 new trains. These will be air-conditioned and have walk-through carriages. To improve accessibility, they will also have wider doors and walkways, lower passenger alarms and a smaller gap between the train and platform.
The new trains should all be in service by 2016.
See a preview of the new trains that will be introduced in 2013.
Blackfriars station
In February 2012, we completed major redevelopment work at Blackfriars station.
Benefits include an upgraded station with step-free access, increased capacity and better interchange between Tube and National Rail services.
Paddington station (Hammersmith & City)
More than 60,000 passengers currently use the Hammersmith & City station every day and demand has already increased dramatically as a result of the extension of the Circle line to Hammersmith.
We need to prepare for further increases in demand in advance of Crossrail services in 2018.
Victoria station
If you've been to Victoria station lately, you may have noticed that it's busier than usual as we're doing a great deal of work at the station.
This massive upgrade project is really exciting as it'll mean less congestion, more step-free access and quicker journeys in and out of the station.
It's a huge job and there's a lot to be done before we finish work in 2018, so please bear with us.
We'll try to keep disruptions to a minimum.
When will the work be finished?
Key improvements
- New trains
- Capacity increased by 24%
- New signalling system
- Faster, more reliable service
- More accessible stations
- See also
- About London Underground
- Crossrail
Check if your Tube line is affected by improvement works
