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Friday, March 29, 2024

A-Stock trains make final journey

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London Underground’s A-Stock trains will make their final run tonight after 50 years serving the capital’s Tube network.

The Metropolitan Line trains, which first started operating on the line in 1961, will carry commuters this evening before a final heritage run on Saturday (September 29).

Massive investment in London’s Underground network will eventually see 191 new trains introduced across the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, which represents 40 per cent of the capital’s Tube network.

Mike Brown, managing director, London Rail and Underground, said: “The old Metropolitan line trains have been great servants to the millions of people that have used the line over the years.

“However at over 50 years old, it is now time to bring in the new generation of trains that are walk-through, air conditioned and more accessible.

“Carrying more passengers today than ever before we need to continue to meet the growing demand of an increasing population.

“Passenger service has already been improved through the upgrade of the Jubilee and Victoria lines with increased reliability and capacity and the Northern, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan upgrade works are well under way.

“We know there is still much to do to move forward and build for the future.”

6 COMMENTS

  1. Further PR, or even better some proper explanations, still needed to persuade the longer distance commuters that the pathetic seating is suitable for anything other than intensive inner London use.

    It is amazing that the A stock lasted so long. They were so flash and modern to my eyes when they started replacing the previous stock that ran at the end of our garden in the very early 1960s still interspersed with the occasional steam hauled BR freight train.

  2. Yes a sad day indeed, I joined the train for the second half of the day’s turn. Farringdon to Amersham, back to Aldgate out to Watford, back to Harrow, and off it sped back to Neasden. All credit to Neasden the train was beautifully clean and free of graffiti.
    It would be sad if all vehicles go to scrap, as this was the first Underground stock to have truly main-line capabilities. Also the last train type built by Cravens, all subsequent builds until 1990 going to Metro Cammell.
    For once we can commend the Underground for maintaing these trains for 50+ years.
    The lack of sufficient seats is a worry, all 56 in my A stock trailer had ‘bums on seats’ leaving Baker St in the peak, but only 38 in the S8s.

  3. Your article is well ahead of reality, the phrase ” has seen 191 new trains introduced ” is not due for a few years yet, it is only the Met that has seen new stock fully introduced.

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