TfL 2024: From new DLR trains to the Piccadilly line Tube upgrade - this year's major changes

Transport for London (TfL) is set to see a whole host of upgrades on its network this year as set out in its recently published business plan.

In December the government announced it would provide London's public transport network with £250m of capital investment over the next year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the package will be used by TfL for projects such as providing new Tube trains for the Piccadilly line.

TfL, which had requested £500 million a year and a longer-term deal, is not allowed to spend the money on its day-to-day operations.

TfL’s business plan which runs until the end of financial year 2026/27, sets out the next stage of TfL’s vision over the next few years.

Piccadilly line upgrade

The line’s existing trains have been in use since 1975, and are expected to be replaced with new models in 2025 as part of a £2.9bn project.

The fleet will feature walk-through carriages, air cooling, wider all-double doorways, enhanced digital information screens, improved step-free access onto the platform and on-train CCTV cameras.

TfL bosses say the 94 new trains will transform one of the Tube’s busiest lines, increasing capacity by 10%.

New DLR trains

A total of 54 new turquoise trains will enter service between 2024 and 2026, 33 of which will replace the DLR’s oldest rolling stock.

The new trains will feature a walk-through design, latest audio and visual real time travel information, air conditioning and mobile device charge points.

New trams

TfL is to replace the oldest trams in its fleet on the Croydon to Beckenham and Wimbledon network, with procurement to begin in 2024 in what could cost at least £50 million.

“We will start the procurement for new trams to replace the existing fleet in south London, which have been in service for almost a quarter of a century,” said TfL in a statement.

Central line upgrade

The Central line is undergoing a £500m transformation with newly refurbished trains featuring CCTV cameras and new moquette seating.

TfL recently told LondonWorld it apologised for repeated delays on the line due to a shortage of operation trains.

All 85 trains on the line – the longest on the London Underground at 46 miles, will be overhauled and feature more reliable motors and better accessibility.

The £500m programme is the biggest such project in Transport for London’s history. It will take until 2029 to complete.

Superloop

TfL has confirmed that, subject to consultation, the complete loop of the Superloop bus network will be in service by spring 2024, with the exception of route SL4, which will be launched when the Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025.

The network consists of existing bus routes, which are being given new route numbers and branding, and newly proposed bus routes.

TfL expects a significant proportion of the entire Tube network (around 80% of stations across the network) and the Elizabeth line, to have mobile coverage by the end of 2024.