Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the first section of the new signalling system on the London Underground has commenced operations.

The Thales-delivered signalling system is currently operational between Hammersmith and Latimer Road.

Overall, it will be rolled out across Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.

Deployment of the signalling system will enable TfL to increase the frequency of operations to accommodate passengers during peak hours.

TfL director of major projects Stuart Harvey said: “The modernisation of these four lines will make a massive difference to hundreds of thousands of customers every day by making journeys quicker and more comfortable.



“The modernisation of these four lines will make a massive difference to hundreds of thousands of customers every day.”

“It will also make customer information more accurate and improve reliability in the long-term. The introduction of the first section of new signalling is a really exciting step for the Tube, and for everyone who uses these lines.”

Train frequency in central London will increase from 28 to 32 per hour, effective from 2021. Overall project completion is expected in 2023.

Thales Ground Transportation Systems vice-president Shaun Jones said: “The successful introduction of this section is a significant step on the journey to upgrade the signalling system of this highly complex railway.

“This further demonstrates the capabilities of Thales technology, leading to a reliable railway that enables capacity improvements for people travelling throughout London.”

The signalling upgrade works are part of a larger modernisation programme for the four Tube lines. The programme includes the introduction of S-stock Tube trains.

In total, the four lines carry 1.3 million customers daily.