Major TfL Transport Upgrades Planned for London in 2026
Traveling in London can often feel daunting, but a series of major transport upgrades scheduled for 2026 promises to bring much-needed improvements to the city's extensive network. For commuters who have endured crowded rush-hour Tubes, these enhancements offer a glimpse of better services ahead. While upgrading London's heavily used transport system is a gradual process, progress is underway with key updates targeting the Elizabeth and Piccadilly lines, among others.
Elizabeth Line Enhancements
The Elizabeth line, one of the most popular routes in the TfL network with approximately 800,000 daily journeys, will receive 10 new trains this spring. Currently in production, this additional fleet will be deployed on routes requiring more frequent services. From May, passengers at reportedly overcrowded stations such as Acton Main Line, Southall, and Hanwell will benefit from three extra trains each morning, thanks to these new additions.
Piccadilly Line Upgrade Delays
The Piccadilly line upgrade, which involves replacing existing trains with 94 new air-conditioned models, faced a setback last summer. Testing was found to be more complex than anticipated, leading to a one-year delay. The new fleet, expected to increase capacity by 10%, is now slated for rollout between July and December, with all trains projected to be in service by the end of 2027.
Central Line Refurbishment
The Central line, known for its east-west route through London, has shown signs of wear, with passengers reporting graffiti on carriages. A planned refurbishment of the trains has fallen behind schedule due to engine failures that required priority attention to avoid service disruptions. So far, only three trains have been renovated, with the remaining 76 expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
DLR Expansion and New Trains
The Docklands Light Railway, which has operated driverless since the 1980s, is set to receive 54 new trains equipped with air-conditioning, USB charging ports, and improved accessibility. These will replace the oldest units in the fleet, some of which have been in service for over three decades. Additionally, plans are advancing for a £1.62 billion extension between Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.
Superloop Bus Network Growth
The Superloop network consists of 12 express bus routes designed for faster travel with fewer stops. The latest addition, SL11, launched last month, connects North Greenwich and Abbey Wood in southeast London. SL12 is scheduled to debut later this year, linking Gants Hill and Rainham. Meanwhile, TfL is considering changes to several bus routes due to declining passenger numbers, with some potentially being discontinued.
Improved Mobile Signal on the Underground
Commuters frustrated by inconsistent Internet coverage on the Underground can look forward to enhanced connectivity. More tunnels and stations are being equipped with 4G and 5G coverage in the coming months, including Euston Square, Cannon Street, Battersea Power Station, Kings Cross St Pancras, Gloucester Road, Warwick Avenue, and Vauxhall.
London Trams Replacement
London's tram system, often overlooked, operates between Wimbledon, Croydon, and Beckenham Junction. The aging tram fleet is scheduled for replacement as part of ongoing upgrades to improve service reliability and comfort.
Bakerloo Line Extension Progress
The Bakerloo line extension has long been on TfL's and passengers' wishlists. While funding from the government remains a key hurdle, preliminary work has begun to lay the groundwork for the planned extension from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham, which will include two new stations. Until the extension is operational, projected after 2034, the route will be served by the Bakerloop express bus, part of the Superloop network.
