Transport for London (TfL) is boosting weekend services on the Central line from Monday, July 20, with more trains running between White City and Leytonstone. The new timetable aims to ease overcrowding on weekends and improve reliability across the line.
More Trains Through Central London
The biggest change for many passengers will be the increase in weekday services through central London. The Central line will have up to 30 westbound trains per hour during morning peak times and 28 eastbound trains per hour in the evenings. Trains on the West Ruislip branch have been revised to run eight times an hour, with no services terminating at Northolt.
According to TfL, the changes are designed to meet high weekend demand. Additional trains will also run on Sunday early evenings to help manage busy periods.
Fewer Trains on Ealing Broadway Branch
However, the new timetable means fewer weekday trains on the Ealing Broadway branch, with services reduced from around eight to nine trains per hour to six. TfL attributed this reduction to lower passenger demand since the Elizabeth line opened. The Elizabeth and Central lines share five major interchange stations: Ealing Broadway, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street and Stratford.
TfL added that the change will improve reliability across the rest of the Central line by making the timetable less prone to delays and reducing unplanned gaps between trains, particularly on the outer branches when services are disrupted.
Impact on Passengers
The Central line is the longest on the London Underground, running from Epping to Ealing Broadway. It is known for its heat and frequent delays, but the new timetable is expected to provide a more reliable service for the 30 trains per hour now running at peak times.
