Tube noise continues to be a huge issue across London. Within my constituency Transport for London (TfL) has trialled different lubrications on some trains in Kingsbury as this ‘further reduces friction between the wheels and track, particularly around curves’ and this has proved successful. When do you expect to roll this vital initiative out to the entire fleet?
Answered By: The Mayor Date: Tuesday, 1st June 2021
Tackling Tube noise continues to be a priority for me and for Transport for London (TfL), including around Kingsbury where TfL is investigating new on-train lubricators, which, as mentioned, could reduce friction between the wheels and track, particularly around curves.
Unfortunately, recent testing has found that the initial design is not suitable for installation on the Jubilee line fleet. TfL is now investigating different designs of on-train lubricators to assess whether these could be installed on the Jubilee line.
I have asked that TfL officers keep you updated on the progress of these works.
Can you also please provide a date for the spring 2021 fitting of electrical lubricants on the Kingsbury track as promised by TfL back in February?
Answered By: The Mayor Date: Tuesday, 1st June 2021
The installation of electrical lubricators, which should help to mitigate noise by more reliably applying lubrication to the track, is now expected to be completed by the end of July 2021.
These works have unfortunately been delayed as a result of social distancing requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic, but I have urged Transport for London to ensure they are completed as quickly as possible.