London Underground ends year on a high with best month since pandemic
London Underground has ended 2023 on a high as the most recent passenger figures show the most journeys taken since the pandemic.
Transport for London will be pleased as passenger recovery continues with 95.8 million journeys recorded.
That’s the most since February 2020 which saw 106.2 million.
While recovery is welcome it’s still a way behind those previous numbers though of course now there’s the Elizabeth line in operation which also saw its best month since commencement of services.
It saw 17.8 million journeys made between 15th October and 11th November. London Overground is also almost back to 2020 levels while the DLR isn’t too far off either.
This has allowed an operating surplus to be made this financial year.
Problems
However the month wasn’t the best in terms of service levels. A lack of trains continued to impact services on the Jubilee and Central lines.
The Central line is seeing its 30-year-old stock being refurbished with the first revamped trains now entering services.
Capital investment
However capital spending remains a key sticking point with funds to replace trains up to 50 years old. TfL sought £500 million from central government though was given £250 million.
That allows new stock on the Piccadilly line to replace trains which are 50 years old but as yet no funds for Bakerloo line stock replacement.
They’ll reach 52 years of age in June 2024.
Transport for London are hoping that property development will bring in additional revenue to cross-subsidise the transport network in years to come. To do so Places for London are building homes beside stations across the capital with up to 20,000 homes planned.
