Transport for London (TfL) has successfully tested a new computer-based signalling and control system on the London Underground, which is expected to ensure faster and reliable services.
The new signalling system has been developed by Thales and will enable the trains to run closer and offer a more frequent service to the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
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It is also expected to reduce signalling problems along certain sections of the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines and assist in providing accurate real-time information for customers on these networks.
London Underground managing director Mark Wild said: “This is a fantastic step forward in the vital programme to modernise nearly half of the Tube network.
“The new signalling system will provide our customers with more frequent trains and quicker journeys, as well as improving reliability and improving customer information.
“We are making improvements for our customers all over the network and this programme represents a hugely significant part of that work.”
The new system has undergone testing between Hammersmith and Latimer Road with three newly enabled S-stock trains.
TfL's new S-stock trains have been upgraded with new equipment and 30 vehicles of the fleet are already equipped with the new technology.
The first section to be equipped with the new signalling system is expected to start operating from early next year.
The frequency of operations will subsequently begin to increase from 2021 following the introduction of the new system across a major part of the network.
All four lines are expected to begin using the system by 2023.
TfL intends to carry out another test of the signalling system in December and installation work will continue throughout the remainder of the year.
The signalling modernisation will also enable TfL to introduce Night Tube services along the selected lines.
