But District line commuters will have to wait until 2013 to reap benefits

After another month blighted with tube chaos, commuters will be slightly heartened to hear of plans to upgrade the District line announced by Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy.

The Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines will also see improvements that “will bring about faster, more frequent services along with improved reliability, customer information, accessibility and enhanced safety and security”.

Although some trains on the District line will benefit from more carriages, these will only run on the Wimbledon branch.  Local commuters, used to being overlooked by Piccadilly Line trains come last on the list having to wait until 2013 to experience any real changes. 

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said "The upgrade of these lines is the next stage of Transport for London's (TfL's) investment in the renewal and improvement of London Underground. This upgrade will be felt by passengers every day, who will benefit from air-conditioning and extra space on the trains.”

He continued "All lines will get new trains, with the Circle, Hammersmith & City line and part of the District line, which serve some of the busiest sections on the Tube, getting new longer seven-carriage trains."

The plans signify an investment of £3.1 billion and will include new signalling and renewed track. The work will be carried out by the much criticised Metronet who were recently lambasted for failing to reach targets for tube maintenance as well as exceeding their budget by many millions.

December 11, 2006