1. Is the cetnral line improvement programme on course for completion when originally planned? and what is the estimated date of completion? 2. The number of trains with defects and door issues still remains. are there any replacement/repaired trains being used yet?

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TfL Ref: FOI-1559-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 9 November 2020.

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. Is the central line improvement programme on course for completion when originally planned? and what is the estimated date of completion?

The Central line Improvement Programme (CLIP) was planned to be completed in 2023 as stated in the time table change communications distributed to customers at the East end of the Central line in January 2020.

However, in March 2020 TfL brought nearly all project sites to a temporary safe stop, in line with the Government guidance to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. CLIP prototyping and testing activity were paused and a significant proportion of project staff were furloughed as part of the Government’s job retention scheme. CLIP has since restarted, following development and implementation of COVID-19 safe processes for working.

The detailed design for the complex integration of a new train computer, traction system, CCTV and passenger information system is now mature, however this has challenged the initial delivery assumptions for the full 85 train fleet.

With the impact of COVID-19 and a better understanding of delivery time scales, CLIP is forecast to be completed at the end of 2025.

2. The number of trains with defects and door issues still remains.  are there any replacement/repaired trains being used yet?

We operate and maintain all of our passenger fleets in line with engineering and safety standards and train maintenance regimes. Any defects or issues which would affect the safe and reliable operation of the fleet will result in a train being removed from service until rectified. Routine overhaul of the Central line train’s doors is included within the scope of CLIP and in addition to the overhaul, doors will be replaced if required. This work will begin in 2021.

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Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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