Request ID: FOI-0543-2324 Date published: 06 July 2023
You asked
1. Will the refurbished trains still have power to all axles or will it be like the 2009 stock where 75% of the axles are powered?
2. Will the line speed in the outer areas (zone 3 onwards) increase from 53 mph to 60mph max speed as is on the Jubilee and Met lines?
3. Will the ride, braking, and acceleration be on par with the current DC powered traction bogies?
4. Will the information system include screens such as the ones on the Bombardier/Alstom Class 710 trains (On GOBLIN and other Overground lines)? Thanks
We answered
TfL Ref: 0543-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 May, 2 and 9 June 2023, asking for information about the London Underground Central line train upgrade.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:
1.Will the refurbished trains still have power to all axles or will it be like the 2009 stock where 75% of the axles are powered?
The Central Line Improvement Programme is a complex project aimed at improving the performance, reliability and accessibility of all Central and Waterloo & City line trains. The Programme includes a complete redesign of the train’s control and diagnostics computer and new traction motors, allowing for accessibility improvements including wheelchair bays, CCTV and a new passenger information system.
Under the Programme, we expect the first refurbished train to enter customer service later this year. We are currently carrying out refurbishment works on multiple trains at our purpose built facility and expect more trains to enter customer service in 2024, with more to follow in the years after.
The major improvements to the Central Line aim to update the fleet of 85 trains and ensure the line is fully accessible to those with disabilities wanting to travel to central London. The programme includes accessibility enhancements for passengers, including more space for wheelchair users, plus audio and visual passenger information, and colour-contrasting features. This will make the network more efficient and reliable for all our passengers.
We can advise that the refurbished trains will still have power to all axles.
2. Will the line speed in the outer areas (zone 3 onwards) increase from 53 mph to 60mph max speed as is on the Jubilee and Met lines?
There will be no change to the line speed.
3. Will the ride, braking, and acceleration be on par with the current DC powered traction bogies?
Yes, the ride, braking, and acceleration will be on a par with the current Direct Current powered traction bogies.
4. Will the information system include screens such as the ones on the Bombardier/Alstom Class 710 trains (On GOBLIN and other Overground lines)?
The information system includes screens which provide information on the route.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
