Metropolitan line: TfL announces reduced service until further notice - some Tubes running just twice an hour

The Metropolitan line has been put under an emergency schedule due to safety concerns, with some routes now running just once every half an hour.

Transport for London (TfL) has said the special service will be in place “until further notice”, with the whole line affected from Uxbridge and Hertfordshire into Aldgate.

Commuters are likely to face serious disruption for the foreseeable future, with the BBC reporting that the emergency schedule could be in place for six weeks.

This will not hit any other London Underground lines, TfL said.

On Tuesday April 12, travellers were hit by severe delays between Baker Street and Aldgate and minor delays on the rest of the line.

Why has TfL put the Metropolitan line under reduced service?

TfL said it had identified a fault with the wheels on a number of Metropolitan line trains during a routine inspection.

Reports suggest that the wheels are slightly too small.

Peter McNaught, from TfL, explained: “Safety is our top priority, and as a precautionary measure, we have increased the rate of inspection of these trains to make detailed checks of the entire fleet.”

The trains - which also run on the Hammersmith and City line and Circle line - were introduced in 2010.

When are the Metropolitan line trains running?

• Amersham to Baker Street - every 30 minutes in both directions.
• Chesham to Baker Street - every 30 minutes in both directions.
• Uxbridge to Aldgate - every 15 minutes in both directions.
• Watford to Baker Street - every 15 minutes in both directions.
• There are also changes to first and last trains on the Metropolitan line.

How long will the Metropolitan line be affected?

TfL says the Metropolitan line will be affected by the emergency timetable until further notice.

A source said: “We’re currently inspecting the whole Metropolitan line fleet and will have more certainty of the impact in the coming days.”

The BBC has reported that in a memo sent to staff has stated that there will be a reduced service for six weeks.

What has TfL said?

TfL has advised customers to check before they travel and consider using alternative lines.

It said tickets are being accepted on London buses and Chiltern Railways, which runs into Marylebone station.

Mr McNaught added: “We have introduced a special timetable on the Metropolitan line to ensure we continue to run as frequent and regular a timetable as possible while inspections take place and our engineers resolve the fault.

“We’re sorry that this may lead to some services and stations being busier than normal and advise customers to check before they travel.”