Request ID: FOI-3388-2324 Date published: 16 January 2024
You asked
In a Plenary meeting in 2013 Boris Johnson was asked whether the Northern line was planning to be split. The answer was “TfL has stated that its current plans are to partially separate the Northern line in the early 2020s.”
Here is a link to the record of that meeting: https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/northern-line-split-0
Have the plans to split the Northern line in the early 2020s been abandoned? If not, when is the Northern line being proposed to be split?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3388-2324
Thank you for your request received on 24 December 2023 asking for information about the Northern line.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
It was our intention to separate the Northern line, for which various options have been considered. These options vary between full separation and partial separation with timetable separations. Separation of the line would enable a more frequent service but requires more trains and as such, additional trains were being procured as part of the Jubilee and Northern line Additional Trains project. This project was cancelled in 2018 due to funding constraints, alongside the deferral of the Camden Town station capacity upgrade (as announced in our 2018 Business Plan). The latter project is needed to support the separation of the Northern line due to increased interchange at this station.
Given recent and current funding constraints, the separation of the Northern line has not been endorsed by the business but remains an aspiration. It is likely this will be reconsidered when the Northern line fleet needs to be replaced in the 2040s, if not before.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
