Passengers travelling during peak times on the Central line are now benefiting from improved services.

Since 17 July, the number of trains operating during peak times has been increased.

On the eastbound Central line the number of trains per hour has increased from:

  • 24 to 27 between 8am and 9am
  • 27 to 30 between 5pm and 6pm

The morning westbound peak service has now been lengthened to operate between 7:45 am and 9:15 am.

The frequency of trains has been increased from 24 to 27 trains per hour between 4pm and 6pm.

increased frequency

General Manager of the Central line, Jeff Ellis said:"Crowding on trains and waiting times on platforms should be reduced as a direct result of the increased frequency of Central line trains and availability of spare trains in depots at Loughton and Hainault / West Ruislip.

"The Tube is improving, last year it carried more passengers in a single year - 976 million - than ever before.

"LU also ran more trains then ever before, clocking up a huge total of nearly 70m kms."

TfL is investing £10 billion over the next five years to improve and expand London's transport network, more than half of that in the Tube.

The Central line is due to be further improved in 2006 when significant service changes will take place with a higher train frequency during off peak times.

fully upgraded

The Central line is due to be fully upgraded in 2007 by Metronet Rail BCV.

The aim is to provide customers travelling between Leytonstone and White City with a train every 2 minutes during peak times in each direction.

Peak service times will also increase to three hours (from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 7pm).

For 24-hour information on all London travel, please call: 020 7222 1234 or visit TfL's website


  • Metronet Rail BCV is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of the Central line
  • The Central line is the longest line with 74km (46 miles) serving 49 stations
  • The longest journey without change on the London Underground can be made on the Central line between West Ruislip and Epping (54.9 km, 34.1 miles)
  • The Central line features the sharpest curve of the Underground system, named the Caxton curve it is located between Shepherd's Bush and White City.