Tube Train Ranking: Rail Enthusiast Rates London Underground Carriages
Travelling on the London Underground presents a diverse range of experiences for commuters and visitors alike. Depending on the specific line and destination, passengers might find themselves aboard a state-of-the-art train featuring modern air conditioning and comfortable seating, or alternatively, they could end up in an older carriage characterized by unsettling noises and less pleasant odors.
Comprehensive Ranking of Underground Trains
One dedicated rail enthusiast has undertaken the task of systematically ranking all the various types of trains operating throughout the extensive London Underground network, organizing them from the least to the most favorable. Tom Lamon, who describes himself simply as "just some guy who likes trains," recently shared his detailed assessment in a video posted on the popular social media platform TikTok.
According to Lamon's analysis, the trains serving the Piccadilly line occupy the bottom position in the ranking. These particular carriages date all the way back to 1973, making them fifty-three years old. "They're loud and ageing," Lamon explains. "Plus they're the second-oldest trains on the entire network, and nobody seems to like them. However, there is positive news on the horizon, as they are scheduled to be replaced by the brand new 2024 stock, which should represent a massive improvement for passengers."
Detailed Assessment of Older Rolling Stock
Positioned at number seven in the ranking are the 1972 stock trains operating on the Bakerloo line. Lamon points out that these are not only the oldest trains running on the London Underground but also hold the distinction of being the oldest in service across the entire United Kingdom. "They're littered with graffiti everywhere, the lighting is super dim, and the trains always provide a bumpy ride," he observes. Despite these significant drawbacks, Lamon acknowledges a redeeming feature: the seating is exceptionally comfortable. Additionally, these carriages feature transverse seating arrangements, allowing passengers to sit facing forward, which many find preferable.
Transverse seating refers to seats arranged in horizontal rows that face either the direction of travel or the opposite direction, as opposed to the more common longitudinal seating found along the walls of most Tube carriages. According to information from London TravelWatch, these particular Bakerloo line trains are not expected to be replaced until sometime during the 2030s.
Evaluation of Mid-Tier Underground Trains
Securing the sixth spot in Tom Lamon's comprehensive list are the trains serving the Northern line, which originally entered service back in 1995. "There is really nothing special about them at all," Lamon states bluntly. "The seats are hard, they get really hot during warmer periods, and there's no air conditioning system whatsoever to provide relief."
In fifth place, Lamon identifies what he describes as "the noisy 1992 stock," which operates on both the Central line and the Waterloo and City line. "Similarly here there's nothing particularly special about these trains," he remarks. "However, there is one factor that elevates them slightly higher on the list - the Central line trains are currently undergoing a refurbishment process. This upgrade will provide new and improved interiors with nicer seating, more accessible areas for passengers with mobility needs, and a generally cleaner and more pleasant atmosphere overall."
Analysis of More Modern Underground Carriages
Ranking fourth in the enthusiast's assessment is the 1996 stock that runs on the Jubilee line. Lamon offers a more favorable view of these trains: "They're more modern in design, they tend to be less warm inside, and overall they represent nicer trains than anything positioned lower on this list. Also, they possess the technical capability to work seamlessly with platform edge doors, a feature that is already operational at many of the newer stations along the Jubilee line route."
Entering the top three rankings, Lamon places the 2009 stock operating on the Victoria line in third position. "They're definitely the best of all the deep level tube lines," he asserts. "They feature pretty good seating arrangements, they aren't excessively loud during operation, and they accelerate very rapidly. This acceleration capability, when combined with the updated digital signalling systems, allows these trains to run extremely fast and with impressive frequency along the line."
Top Performers in the Underground Network
Just narrowly missing the top spot is the S7 stock, which serves the Circle, Hammersmith and City, and District lines, having first entered service in 2012. Lamon praises these trains: "The air conditioning system is lovely and they're overall great trains. Additionally, they feature super fast acceleration, walk-through carriages that improve passenger flow, high ceilings that create a more open feel, and loads of space. These qualities firmly secure them the second-place position in my ranking."
Emerging as the clear winner in this comprehensive assessment is the S8 stock, which has been operating on the Metropolitan line since 2010. Lamon explains his reasoning: "They're essentially a better version of the S7 stock. They incorporate both transverse and longitudinal seating arrangements to accommodate different passenger preferences, and they are one car longer than the S7 stock, allowing them to accommodate an even higher number of passengers during peak periods. Furthermore, they include four dedicated wheelchair bays for improved accessibility, and they feel super spacious and open - more reminiscent of a mainline train than something typically found on the London Underground network."
Clarification Regarding the Elizabeth Line
Following the publication of his ranking, one commenter questioned why Lamon had not included the Elizabeth line in his assessment, particularly since it opened in 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Lamon provided clarification on this point, explaining that the Elizabeth line was excluded because it is not technically part of the London Underground network. Instead, he characterized it as "its own thing" - a separate rail system that operates under different management and infrastructure parameters.
