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The Quintessential Rapid Transit System! | London Underground Explained

RMTransit・21 minutes read

The London Underground is a complex metro network with two major networks, the subsurface and deep level lines, each with distinct characteristics, rolling stock, and signaling systems. The diverse lines intersect at various points in London, providing an essential transportation service with unique features and histories.

Insights

  • The London Underground comprises two major networks: the subsurface network, which includes lines like the Metropolitan and District, and the deep level lines, such as the Waterloo & City and Jubilee lines, each with distinct characteristics and routes.
  • The unique rolling stock of the London Underground, ranging from the 1972 stock on the Bakerloo line to the 2009 stock on the Victoria line, showcases a variety of manufacturers, car lengths, and design elements, reflecting a blend of historical and modern influences in the network's operations and infrastructure.

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Recent questions

  • How many lines does the London Underground have?

    11

  • What are the two major networks of the London Underground?

    Subsurface and deep level lines

  • Which line on the London Underground is entirely underground?

    Victoria Line

  • What is unique about the rolling stock on the London Underground?

    Different types for deep level and subsurface lines

  • What signaling systems are utilized on the London Underground?

    ATC, CBTC, and platform screen doors

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Summary

00:00

London Underground: 11 lines, 272 stations

  • The London Underground is a unique metro network with 11 lines, 272 stations, and over 150 years of operation.
  • The network consists of two major networks: the subsurface network and the deep level lines.
  • The subsurface network includes the Metropolitan Line, District Line, Circle Line, and Hammersmith & City Line.
  • The subsurface lines share tracks and interline through London's center, similar to the Chicago L.
  • The deep level lines include the Waterloo & City Line, Central Line, Northern Line, Bakerloo Line, Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line, Jubilee Line.
  • The deep level lines do not share tracks with each other and intersect at various points in central London.
  • The Piccadilly Line is a favorite with 53 stations over 70 kilometers of track and shares tracks with the Metropolitan and District lines.
  • The Victoria Line is entirely underground and connects major interchange points on other rail lines.
  • The Jubilee Line is well-used and connects hubs in London, including the iconic Jubilee Line Extension.
  • The London Underground has unique rolling stock, with smaller tube-like trains on deep level lines and larger mainline-like trains on subsurface lines.

13:51

London Underground Rolling Stock and Signaling Systems

  • The 1972 stock is utilized on the Bakerloo line, comprising seven-car trains with 16-meter cars featuring two single doors and two double doors per car, manufactured by Metro Camel, known for producing rolling stock for the Hong Kong MTR.
  • The 1973 stock was introduced on the Piccadilly line, with six-car trains having 17-meter cars, appearing more aesthetically pleasing than the 1972 stock, also manufactured by Metro Camel.
  • The 1992 stock operates on the Waterloo and City line in four-car sets and the Central line in eight-car sets, with 16-meter long cars utilizing external sliding doors, manufactured by a company that was part of Bombardier before being acquired by Alstom.
  • The 1995 and 1996 stock are similar in non-technical aspects, with the 1995 stock in six-car sets on the Northern line and the 1996 stock in seven-car sets on the Jubilee line, both featuring 18-meter cars and manufactured by Alstom and Metro Camel.
  • The 2009 stock on the Victoria line consists of eight-car trains, each car being 16.5 meters long, manufactured by Bombardier, with a design disliked by the narrator due to the raised front fascia resembling the M8 rolling stock on Metro North in New York.
  • The London Underground operates a blend of signaling systems, with significant ATC or CBTC deployment enabling platform screen doors, the 4LM project converting the subsurface network to CBTC, and a 24-hour weekend service, with the Waterloo and City line requiring crane removal for train delivery due to lack of track connection.
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