Thales appoints VolkerRail for work on London Underground

Part of its capital investment programme, TfL is upgrading the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, with new signalling, trains, power systems and station upgrades. The new signalling system will allow trains to be run closer together, meaning a more frequent service and shorter waiting times; allowing more people to be carried. This new technology will also mean reduced delays and improved reliability. The programme will allow the operation of 32 trains per hour, an average 33% increase in peak-hour capacity across all four lines.

VolkerRail will install and test signalling equipment, including copper and fibre cable, from Kings Cross to Monument on the District and Circle lines and from Aldgate East to Upminster on the Hammersmith and City and District lines.

Debra Fitzgerald, senior project manager at VolkerRail, said: “This project re-opens doors to an expanding market for VolkerRail. While London Underground’s infrastructure brings its own unique challenges and opportunities, VolkerRail’s extensive knowledge of Thales’ communications-based train control system and London Underground’s signal engineering operations, will ensure a positive outcome for all.”

Andy Bell, Vice President, Urban Rail Signalling, Thales UK, said “Modernising the signalling across the four lines is a key element of the wider programme which will enable London Underground to meet the capacity needs of the city. It is a huge project and the key to its continued success is working collaboratively together as one team with London Underground and suppliers, sharing our challenges and achievements. I’d like to welcome VolkerRail to the team and I look forward to working with them to deliver this vital upgrade for London.