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We’re not saying that any of the London Underground is haunted, per se, but if we had to bet on the most likely place to spot a ghost, it’d be Bakerloo line. The brown line’s trains date back to 1972 and are the longest-serving operational fleet in the UK – and it shows. Sure, creaking doors, worn upholstery and a certain musty scent all add character, but character isn’t necessarily what you want on the cramped, early morning commute into town.
Which is why you’ll be happy to hear that the Bakerloo trains are getting an upgrade. In February, we reported on TfL’s invitation to contractors to enter bids to carry out a revamp to the Bakerloo’s carriages. At the time, London’s transport operator published a ‘preliminary market engagement notice’ asking private companies to bid for the job.
Now, plans are one step closer to coming to fruition. US infrastructure firm AECOM has been appointed to conduct a feasibility study for the upgrade. The company’s job will be to develop plans for the reconstruction of the Bakerloo train depot at Stonebridge Park and much-needed improvements to infrastructure at Elephant & Castle and Queen’s Park.
Shadi Shekarrizi, rail director for London and the South East at AECOM, called the appointment a ‘significant milestone in the Bakerloo line upgrade programme and the next step towards improving efficiency, capacity and connectivity across the line’.
As for when we can expect the fleet of 54-year-old trains to be replaced? Well, we could still be waiting some time. TfL is currently focused on delivering walk-through, air-conditioned carriages on the Piccadilly line, which should be operational by summer 2027.
Once works on the navy blue line are complete, attention will be on the Bakerloo’s makeover. Work is predicted to begin next year and will hopefully wrap up in December 2034, meaning new trains would be on the tracks by 2035.
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