Since Central line train upgrades began in 2023 only four have been refurbished – with plans to complete the remaining 66 trains by the end of 2029
Transport for London has insisted its revamp of Central line trains is on track after previous reports of delays. Only three refurbished trains have re-entered service since the first was completed in late 2023, with plans for all 71 trains to be completed by the end of 2029.
In January Jasmit Jabbal, TfL’s engagement lead for North East London and Essex, admitted to Epping Forest councillors that twice as many revamped trains should be running on the Central line. He said motor failures on train wheels – which caused delays and cancellations throughout 2024 and 2025 – were a reason for why there has been little progress thus far.
However, TfL has since clarified the £500m project is on track and there is no expectation the project will be extended beyond 2029. CityAM reported earlier this month that if current progress continued at the current rate, the Central line won’t be fully upgraded until 2043.
“We are undertaking the most significant overhaul project in the history of London Underground,” Richard Jones, TfL’s director of asset performance delivery said. “This crucial and innovative work will refresh the ageing trains on the Central line and ensure trains will continue to operate, extending their working life.
“Four of the newly refurbished trains have entered service so far, with four more trains expected in 2026. We are in the process of undertaking essential testing and once this has been completed the rate that trains will enter service will increase significantly. The completion date at present remains that we are working for the trains to be upgraded by the end of 2029.”
Upgrades to the Central line trains include new seating, wheelchair bays, CCTV in carriages and information screens showing each station.
At the same Epping Forest Council meeting Mr Jabbal said one train is currently being taken out of service at a time to be upgraded.
TfL said that once essential testing is complete it will be able to take four trains out of service at a time to be upgraded. The project was drawn up about a decade ago as a means to extend the lifespan of Central line trains – which were built in the early 1990s – into the 2040s.
The £500m refurbishment plans were seen as a much cheaper alternative to an entirely new fleet of trains estimated to cost £1bn.
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