Pressure group want Metropolitan line upgrade urgently done

A passenger pressure group have called London Underground to get the Metropolitan line signal upgrade done “as soon as possible” to avoid passengers standing too long on long journeys.

The new S stock trains although have facilities like air conditioning will have a third less seats than the current A stock. In order to make up for this, Transport for London have promised to upgrade the signals to allow a much higher volume of service than it is as present. An ‘interim’ upgrade is due to be completed by 2012 and a ‘full’ upgrade by 2015.

The Federation of Met Line Users, chaired by Pinner resident Anthony Wood said that Transport for London must find a contractor to “urgently” upgrade the signals on the Metropolitan and Circle lines.

The federation are worried that the new trains may come into service but with the same quality of service at present. The federation said in a statement as written in the Harrow Observer:

We urge London Underground, TfL and all involved in this matter to ensure that he contract is awarded urgently and the work commences as soon as possible.

It is absolutely essential that this contract is awarded urgently. It must not become part of any cuts by TfL or the Government.

If it is cut, then the passengers on the Metropolitan line will have the current service but with trains containing 29 per cent less seats.

The present signalling system is very delicate and failures occur almost daily, leading to disruption, delay and inconvenience for passengers.

The new S stock trains are due to be in service from this year with all stock replaced by 2011.