I would like to know the number of incidents and the total amount of time where the normal operation of the Metropolitan line has been affected by the new signalling system that was introduced on 1st September 2019. Please can you provide data up to the to the latest available date. Please specify the date range that the data is extracted for. I am specifically looking for data where there is an issue affecting normal scheduling due to either "signal failures" or "faulty trains" that cannot communicate with the signalling system, and where this has resulted in either minor delays, severe delays, or suspension of any area of the Metropolitan line.

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TfL Ref: 2477-1920

Thank you for your request received by us on 15 November 2019 asking for information about London Underground’s Metropolitan line.

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.

I’m sorry that over recent weeks there has been ongoing disruption to the Metropolitan line, and that our customers haven’t received the level of service they expect.

On 2 September a section of new digital signalling was introduced on the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, from Latimer Road to Euston Square and Finchley Road. This was part of our Four Lines Modernisation programme to modernise trains, track and signalling on some of the oldest and busiest parts of the network.

This work will improve journeys on 40 per cent of the Tube network, and is the largest single upgrade in the history of the Underground. It will result in greater capacity and improved frequency, as well as improved journey times, better reliability and better customer information.

Despite extensive testing of the new signalling outside of operating hours we have experienced some software reliability issues while running the new software with the trains in a live environment.

We have been working with our signalling supplier to identify how to address these issues, and fixes are now being developed. Software updates are scheduled for early next year, which we are confident will improve the situation. We are working 24-7 and taking every measure possible to tackle the delays and improve the service as soon as possible.

Please see the attached requested information. To confirm, this provides details of reported delays recorded against the Metropolitan line as a result of trains failing to communicate with the signalling system.

Further information about this Modernisation Programme can be viewed via the following link to our website: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/four-lines-modernisation?intcmp=37984

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
Information Governance
Transport For London

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