TfL apologises for repeated Central line delays due to 'shortage of trains'

Transport for London (TfL) has apologised to passengers who have experienced repeated delays on the Central line.

Every day this week, the line has experienced delays due to a "shortage of trains", with severe delays reported on Thursday morning (January 11). TfL has not released figures for the days impacted but the issue has worsened in recent weeks.

According to the transport body, there has been "an abnormally high number of defective traction motors". Central line trains are undergoing a major overhaul as part of an ongoing programme.

Nick Dent, TfL’s director of customer operations, said: “I apologise to Central line customers for the delays they have experienced in recent weeks. We have experienced an abnormally high number of defective traction motors that has required us to take several trains out of service and implement an amended timetable.

"Our engineers are working extremely hard to get as many trains into service for customers as possible and in the meantime we are advising Central line customers to allow more time for their journeys."

The trains on the Central line are more than 30 years old and are understood to be among the least reliable on the Tube network. The engines are being overhauled as part of the £500m Central Line Improvement Programme.

The project will include the installation of wheelchair bays to improve accessibility, screens in carriages to enhance customer information during travel and new seating including a new pattern.

TfL advises customers to plan ahead for their journeys using real-time travel tools such as Journey Planner and TfL Go.