Jubilee line problems: TfL offer update on train, signal and tunnel issues
If you’ve used the Jubilee line in recent months you may have seen a familiar message: “Delays due to a shortage of trains”.
Given the Jubilee line serves some of London’s biggest growth areas that’s not exactly welcome, but what is causing it?
Well, the latest Transport for London meeting gives an insight into issues.
A £132 million fleet overhaul of Jubilee line’s 1996 stock is seeing a range of tasks undertaken and underframe refurbishment has been running late. This has been blamed on a shortage of staff.
Underframe work on the first 48 of 63 trains in the fleet is however now complete.
Other measures being undertaken include testing on new door engines, though TfL do note they’ve received seals ahead of schedule for emergency access doors in the driving cab.
The report continues: “A new door specification has been sent to suppliers, which will guide the next steps in the procurement process.”
“The issues relating to outdated train diagnostic and passenger information systems are being addressed, with work underway to finalise the preferred scope for each.
“Sixty per cent of smoke damper actuators have been fitted at Bermondsey and 100 per cent at Stratford Market depot under the ventilation system upgrades.”
Ventilation problems has been another cause of service disruption, with TfL reporting disruption at the time of writing due to the issue.
Signalling
Signalling upgrades have also been delayed on a stretch from Finchley Road to Preston Road and Neasden Depot, with Transport for London stating:
“The go live date has been delayed to allow completion of operational readiness activities, completion of pre-requisite activities to upgrade the previous signalling migration areas (SMA 1-7) and identification of a suitable weekend for the required closure (planning around major events in London particularly in the Wembley area).”
As for completion of upgrades to all facets of works relating to both trains and signalling, no date is given in the latest TfL Programmes and Investment committee report.
The advent of the Elizabeth line has bought some time for other TfL modes, but with growth seen around every station on the eastern Jubilee line stretch from Waterloo demand will grow.
North Greenwich has further blocks now rising at two plots. One of Canada Water’s new blocks is now all but complete.
Canary Wharf station on the Jubilee line is the closest to the vast estate expansion known as Wood Wharf.
Again, a number of towers are now all but complete.
While in Bermondsey the Jubilee line sits closest to redevelopment of the former Peek Freans biscuit factory, where 1,624 homes are now underway.
Another station seeing development is Southwark, which is seeing full weekend closures due to construction work commencing above the station box.
The site completed 25 years ago but no expected oversite development was ever built. An office block was approved though a student housing block now seems the preferred choice.
