London’s Bakerloo linehome to the oldest trains on the London Underground network, may finally be set for a much-needed upgrade sooner than expected. The current trains, which have been in service for 53 years far beyond their intended lifespan have long been overdue for replacement.
In 2024, Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted that these trains were 20 years past their use-by date, and TfL officials have expressed astonishment that they are still operational.
When will the Bakerloo line get new trains?
Thanks to a new £2.2 billion capital renewals program funded by the central government, TfL is poised to begin ordering new Bakerloo line trains soon, and by soon we mean – within the coming months!
These modern trains will feature walk-through carriages and most importantly air conditioning! That’s right folks, no more extreme sports like feeling on the tube!
On top of that, Bakerloo line trains could run every two minutes.
However, despite this positive development, the new trains are not expected to enter service until the latter part of the decade because substantial infrastructure upgrades are required along the line before the new rolling stock can be introduced.
How does this affect the Bakerloo line extension?
The Bakerloo line upgrade is a crucial step not only to improve reliability and passenger comfort but also to pave the way for the long-discussed Bakerloo line extension into southeast London. This extension, supported by the majority of Londoners, depends on replacing the outdated trains first.
The extension plans include new stations at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road, New Cross Gate, and Lewisham, with further phases potentially reaching Hayes and Beckenham Junction.
While the exact timeline for the new trains and extension remains uncertain, the recent funding commitment and ongoing planning mark a major breakthrough for the Bakerloo line.
Londoners can look forward to a future where the “brown line” finally offers a comfortable travel experience, with modern, comfortable trains and expanded service reaching new parts of the city.
