Tonight:
5°c
Passengers using the Jubilee line face another six months of weekend closures to allow a botched upgrade to be completed.
The firm working on the line has admitted it needs at least 10 weekend shutdowns next year to introduce a satellite navigation signalling system.
The line, the Tube's newest, has been disrupted more than 100 times in two years, leaving maintenance firm Tube Lines at loggerheads with Transport for London over its request for further closures.
Mayor Boris Johnson criticised Tube Lines when it became obvious it would over-run its 31 December deadline, while the O2 arena at North Greenwich — where spectators have faced disrupted journeys — branded the firm “clowns”.
The improvements will allow peak trains to run every two minutes, increasing capacity by up to 40 per cent. They will make the Jubilee line the Underground's “workhorse”, carrying up to 800,000 passengers a day as other lines are rebuilt.
Tube Lines' chief executive, Dean Finch, said: “Yes, the Jubilee line is going to be late. But I don't think it's right that Tube Lines should be judged just on that. We have got a tremendous record of success over the last six or seven years.
"I live on the line. I know how painful it is when the Jubilee line is closed. We need probably about six more weekend closures to get our bit done, but we will have to have more closures to train the drivers and get operators familiar with the system.”
The line will part-close every weekend until Christmas, when it will shut for four days. It will also close for a weekend in January and for four days at Easter. Tube Lines, which is also responsible for maintaining and upgrading the Northern and Piccadilly lines, faces a £10 million penalty for each month it works into next year.
Geoff Symonds, of the O2's owners, AEG Europe, said: “Any additional Jubilee line closures are hugely frustrating for us and our customers. All we can do is continue to work with TfL to minimise the disruption by providing a robust alternative transport plane.”
An independent report into the delays found there was a “low level of trust” between Tube Lines and TfL, which resulted in the maintenance firm being granted only half the closures it requested. Tube Lines is facing “particularly challenging” problems at Neasden and Wembley Park.
A TfL spokesperson said: “We completely reject any suggestion that Tube Lines has not had enough access to upgrade the Jubilee line.
"The original Tube Lines programme foresaw around 50 weekend closures. But by this summer, Tube Lines had taken 120 weekend or part-weekend closures – often at great inconvenience to Londoners and many businesses.
“We don't take this disruption lightly, which is why it is vital Tube Lines present us with a clear and credible path towards a revised delivery date as soon as possible.
"It is now clear this will extend well into 2010, and we will try to minimise the impact on London of the further weekend closures that Tube Lines will need.”
Tube Lines and TFL both to blame for delays
The Jubilee line upgrade will allow up to 30 trains an hour to run at peak times — of particular benefit between Westminster and Canary Wharf, where it is standing room only in rush hours.
An independent report commissioned by Tube Lines found that it and TfL were both to blame for delays. Thales, a sub-contractor used by Tube Lines, “significantly underestimated” the scope and complexity of the project, Tube Lines management was slow to respond to problems and TfL allowed only a “limited amount of track access” to carry out the upgrade.
The report found Tube Lines asked for 118 line closures and was granted 113 —but 52 were either for less time than requested or for a shorter section of the line, meaning Tube Lines could not make as much progress as it hoped.
Reader views (41)
what a pity to have such a dense and well designed network and such a bad service. Since French solved their strikes problems in Paris tube, they got 35 trains an hour. and they are now upgrading to 40 trains an hour. they manage to install platform screen doors without closing the line any day. it is one of the requirement of all their signalling upgrading contract: closure of the line is forbidden, to respect the passengers. In London also it would have been possible to do it, by choosing an adequate system. But they prefered to treat us like that. And they may tell you it was cheaper, but with the delay it is now much more expensive than the other solutions....
By the way, in Paris, one of the project is delayed a lot for the last years. and it is with the same contractor.
- Flow, london, 08/12/2009 10:18
Report abuse
Q. "Why does the Jubilee Line need a replacement signalling system - it is a relatively new line."
A. Only part of the line (the JLE) is new, and that was built with a new signalling system. The older parts still have an older system.
Q. "There is no upgrade -- EVER. The public is forced to endure pain for . . . precisely NOTHING. Your city is falling apart...[snip]...You're a hopeless, useless lot, as charming as you're all sure you are.
- American Suffering In Wretched London, UK"
A. Oh poppet. I hope you get back to the wonderful, faultless USA soon. Please.
Q. "I hope the RMT strike over this incompetence."
A. I hope that's sarcasm.
- Alex, High Wycombe, UK, 07/12/2009 15:28
Report abuse
Re : Eddie, West Hampstead - as you'll be aware - the section of track between Wembley Park and Finchley Road has the Jubilee line and Met line running side-by-side.
Several of the Met line closures have been carried out in order that workers on the Jubilee line can work in safe conditions - without Met trains thundering past them at very close quarters.
I understand that the Met line is now stopping at Willesden Green on weekends when the Jubilee service is closed down and when the Met is running.
- Rob P, Harrow - UK, 01/12/2009 17:24
Report abuse
Firstly it's not a satelite signalling system, it's a moving block signalling system. Since when has a sat nav ever worked inside a tunnel?
Secondly capacity with the new signalling system will improve by 20% according to the TFL website, not 40%. The other 20% you specify came from previous upgrades such as adding a 7th carriage to all trains.
Thirdly to all these people moaning, when would you like the closures to take place? How about during the week when you all need to get to work or how about just shut down the entire line for a year or two?
So what? They've had teething issues in getting the new signalling system to work with the old one where the Metropolitan Line trains meet the Jubilee Line trains. At least when they come to do the same with the Northern Line next year they will have a better idea about these things.
It's the media that make these things seem worse than they are getting all of their facts wrong.
How about some positive things? Like the new S Stock which is going to appear on the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City and District lines? London Underground were awarded first place for the best design of a new train which excels in safety and security.
How about the fact that when the upgrade is complete the Jubilee line (on paper) will work better than the Central Line...and you know how well that line runs on days when it isn't being delayed due to a customer incident or a one under or a passenger emergency alarm.
- Nick, London, 30/11/2009 10:49
Report abuse
Why does the Jubilee Line need a replacement signalling system - it is a relatively new line. And if it does need a new system, why is it taking so long to install? And why did no-one think to build in the ability to shut part of the line down when extending the service from Charing Cross? The Paris Metro is having far more substantial and disruptive works done and they barely shut down at all - mostly because the Parisiens won't put up with it. So why should we, with the Tube?
- Jennie Norwood, London, UK, 25/11/2009 15:17
Report abuse
I hope the RMT strike over this incompetence.
- Anthony, Esher, Surrey, 25/11/2009 12:47
Report abuse
Ok, so the Jubilee line needs 10 more weekends of closures or part closures. Could Somebody please explain why it is necessary always have them at the same time as the Met line and Overground Line. Do Tube Lines and TFL have some kind of secret agenda to turn North London into a ghetto every weekend. Use your loaf people!
- Eddie, West Hampstead, 25/11/2009 11:01
Report abuse
As a passenger rather than an over-paid employee of LU, I find the statement by DEAN FINCH, the overpaid and nauseatingly smug chief executive, to be not only offensive, but clearly utterly out of touch with reality and showing total contempt for the people who, as he has clearly forgotten, actually provide him with his seeminly unearned salary. Time to go Finch. You're clearly not up to this job. Try platform sweeeping.
- Peed Off Pensioner, London/UK, 25/11/2009 04:52
Report abuse
John C, much of what you say is true, but really, you're far too kind. There is no upgrade -- EVER. The public is forced to endure pain for . . . precisely NOTHING. Your city is falling apart. The excuses of all of you are a decade too late and a country mile too short. You'll type the same lame, useless messages in response to stories like this 10 more years from now as your nation and your society's development descends below what? Below Turkey? For sure. Below Peru? No doubt. Below Ghana? Yes. You're a hopeless, useless lot, as charming as you're all sure you are.
- American Suffering In Wretched London, UK, 24/11/2009 21:08
Report abuse
Don't blame TFL.
Tube lines is the remaining PFI company, since Metronet went bust. Metronet, for those who have forgotten, specialized in putting new tiles on station walls (badly) in order to convince the travelling public that it was doing something other than stuffing its bosses' pockets and letting its track and signals deteriorate.
Tube lines is alightly less incompetent - it's still in business. TFL can't sack it and TFL didn't draw up the contracts. Ken Livingstone, to his credit, told everyone at the time that these PFI schemes would be a costly disaster, as they have been and continue to be.
The real culprit is Tony Blair and the Labour Government, which is still in power. Hopefully not for much longer. Sadly, unless Tube Lines also goes bust, we'll be stuck with them through the next parliament and beyond.
- Nigel, London, 24/11/2009 19:54
Report abuse
"So why is it that every year the ticket prices increase whilst the service remains mediocre?"
Management was blamed in this comment. Someone else right up there with them is a certain extreme leftie mischief maker by the name of Crow who doesn't care that to get more money in his member's pockets while doing nothing to justify an increase, the company has to get more money from the paying customers.
- Rogan, Irving, 24/11/2009 19:39
Report abuse
I would like someone to explain me why this "essential maintenance work" cannot be done overnight, as done in Paris, Tokyo, etc.
London a world-class city? My a**e. Londoners, stop voting muppets in, please.
- Vincent, London, 24/11/2009 18:57
Report abuse
If you think not having the Jubilee line is bad wait until the start closing the piccadilly line at weekends!!!
The situation is made worse by Boris dogma against Artic buses which are the perfect replacement for rail closures and were in fact used on the Jubilee Line until recently. These were those on Red Arrow routes and now all passengers get are the empty BOJO sardine cans!!!!
It should be remembered that the Jubilee line was a tory project inherited by Tony Blair along with their plans for a dome at North Greenwich!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 24/11/2009 18:03
Report abuse
you don't say!
if there were medals for screwing things up, team u.k.
would set the gold standard.
great bodge up is snafu and is the default setting; how sad.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk, 24/11/2009 17:36
Report abuse
Here is another example of why you should never privatise things, had the government given the right investment instead of selling tube maintenance to the highest bidder a nationalised tube system could have done things alot quicker the jubilee line is now a joke and it used to work better back in 2001.
- Cameron, london, 24/11/2009 17:27
Report abuse
Every single member of senior and middle management of LUL steadfastly refuse to explain to staff what they're up to, far less the travelling public.
We get quicker and more reliable information from this website and newspaper
- Andrea Wyatt, Amersham, 24/11/2009 17:14
Report abuse
Bp, london: "...when closures happen so the upgrade works can take place they do nothing but moan!!"
I think most people understand the necessity for closueres in order to carry out upgrades. What most people fail to understand is the apparent inability of the so called managers in chage of these upgrade projects to deliver on time. It would be interesting to know of the budget performance.
Assuming Bp works in the public service, he or she has perhaps failed to understand that when vast amounts of taxpayers' money are invested in such projects, and unforseen extended disruption takes place, the public are entitled to know why it occurs and who is responsible.
It's called accountability.
- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 24/11/2009 16:50
Report abuse
No we didnt get big bonuses this year and we didn't get a pay rise either passengers want upgrades but when closures happen so the upgrade works can take place they do nothing but moan!!
- Bp, london, 24/11/2009 16:25
Report abuse
The damage that the closures are doing to retail outlets is colossal. The almost-weekly closures of the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines is causing angst among shopkeepers in the West Hampstead area.
- Ian F, London, UK, 24/11/2009 14:32
Report abuse
It would be cheaper and faster to tear the whole line down and restart from scratch
- Josh, London, 24/11/2009 14:13
Report abuse
Half the Tube lines are not running at weekends. Can I (as an adult) have half-price on fares please?
- Michael Spencer, Toronto, Canada, 24/11/2009 14:05
Report abuse
My French and American friends regard the London Underground as a laughing stock.
- James, London England, 24/11/2009 12:58
Report abuse
Blasted, blithering incompetence! I trust that once these dithering idiots have eventually finished messing up, I mean working on the Jubilee Line, that Tubes Lines will be sacked once and for all.
- Carl, London, 24/11/2009 12:56
Report abuse
Looking on the bright side at least this will give Bob Crow time to do his line inspections that he is threatening to go out on strike over as no-one else will be using the line at weekends. But then again why use common sense when you can go out on strike?
- Simon M, Grays, 24/11/2009 12:35
Report abuse
Another PPP roaring success, these things really do work so well ! Who's idea was it then ? Now then, I'm sure it was our now Prime Minister who devised it and our sadly missed ex - Deputy Prime Minister who marketed it ! I don't believe I've ever agreed with one single thing Ken Livingstone may have said but he certainly got it right on this one........
- Andy Woodhead, London, ENGLAND, 24/11/2009 12:27
Report abuse
How much and how many bonus payments were paid to this management?
Get it back!
- Tojo, Hythe Kent, 24/11/2009 11:55
Report abuse
But don't worry you can always get the Clipper. Or perhaps not! Oyster on Thames Clipper: a major disappointment!
Just found out that Clipper fares are being reduced by 10% for Oyster card holders. What a waste of time - a saving of 50p off £5 is hardly likely to attract anyone.
I thought it would be at least one-third off, as with a Travelcard.
I'm not going to pay £4.50 when I can do the same journey for £2.20 - or even £1.60.
A missed opportunity.
How much taxpayers' money has been wasted in meetings and consultations about this non-event?
- Jim, East London, 24/11/2009 11:48
Report abuse
Every weekend with out fail large section of the Tube network are down and many stations closed. It is now beyond a joke particularly for people such as myself who have to work weekends. There actually seems no end to this mess and all we get is nauseating platitudes from the clearly incompetent Tube Lines. I am no surprise that the O2 venue called these people 'clowns'. Roll on the Olympics when the real fun will begin.
- John David, London, 24/11/2009 11:37
Report abuse
I think I'm gonna be sick
- Thomas, London, 24/11/2009 11:33
Report abuse
There are far too many uncoordinated closures on the railways. London is being turned into a 5 day a week city. There should be more efforts to keep as much of the lines as possible such as more turn round points and single line working.
However, the transport authorities must also explain to the public what these closures are for and what is being accomplished. For example the moving block signalling system being installed on the Jubilee line will mean a much better level of service.
- Mike Constable, Islington, London, 24/11/2009 11:33
Report abuse
If TFL were any good there would be a well drawn up contract - Tube Lines would be in breach and therefore they could be sued! Nothing like having to pay substantial compensation to get the work done on time! Oh I forgot this is TFL and no doubt they didn't bother!
- Andy, london, 24/11/2009 11:18
Report abuse
I hope the independent report takes a very close look at TfL's management of these projects as we taxpayers are picking up very expensive bills in the billions for cost and time overruns.
Taxpayers need accountability and surely some TfL senior managers should be held personally accountable for failed contracts.
- Jim, London, 24/11/2009 11:08
Report abuse
It has to be said that there is not one line on the Underground that has good punctuality and reliability. So why is it that every year the ticket prices increase whilst the service remains mediocre? The problem has to be one of management and I fail to understand why any bonus payments should be given whilst this shambles continues.
- Simon Walters, London, 24/11/2009 11:04
Report abuse
Scrap the Olympics and this upgrade to carry the hoards of people to the games will not be needed.
- Paul, London, 24/11/2009 11:04
Report abuse
Tubelines are supposed to have finished the Northern Line upgrade by 2011. What are the chances of this happening?
- John, London, 24/11/2009 10:52
Report abuse
As a resident on the Isle Of Dogs cut-off from the rest of the UK every weekend, I don't think this is going to work right until AFTER someone has crashed a train. Then (maybe) the politicians might hire someone at huge expense to start acting sensibly on their behalf. Until then we will have put up with an unworkable, money-grabbing system that will only be declared such in retrospect, in a desperate bid to save a number of careers and reputations. This country must now be regarded as hopeless, its system of government wrecked, and the way it does business as intellectually lobotomised.
- Paul M, Airstrip One, 24/11/2009 10:33
Report abuse
You should try using the Thameslink - if you want to experience misery on public transport within Greater London.
Barely 3% of the trains for my chosen journeys over the past eight weeks have run on time, thats if they have not been cancelled due to the recent 'insufficient drivers' nonsense.
What a disgrace.
- Mw, London, UK, 24/11/2009 10:23
Report abuse
The District Line has been closed in part, somewhere along its length most weekends for over 18 months.
We are going to a concert tonight in Southend where we will drive further into Essex as we could not rely on using the tube to travel to the London night of the tour which was a Saturday.
We are almost out of the habit of looking to journeys by public transport for a weekend outing - our car for a trip out of London is more reliable and always available.
I will not put my family through the mayhem that was 'replacement bus service' again.
- Cam, Hornchurch, 24/11/2009 10:22
Report abuse
It's not a satellite navigation signalling system! How would an underground train be seen by a satellite?! It's a 'moving block' signalling system.
- Joe S, London, 24/11/2009 09:57
Report abuse
A bit like the Victoria Line, then. We were promised closures would finish at the end of 2007, then they were extended for a year, and this year we still suffer frequent all-weekend closures.
- Jon, London, 24/11/2009 09:54
Report abuse
No doubt thosee responsible for this shambles are nevertheless looking forward te receiving their lucrative "performance" bonuses.
- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 24/11/2009 09:10
Report abuse
