Commuters on the Bakerloo line are facing ongoing disruption this week after an empty train partially derailed. Delays have been affecting the whole line since Tuesday, according to TfL alerts, with no clear sign of when the issue will be resolved. Frustrated passengers have taken to social media to ask the transport authority what’s going on, after TfL confirmed the disruption was caused by an “operational incident”.
TfL Confirms Partial Derailment
TfL has now confirmed an empty train partially came off the rails in Queens Park depot. No one was injured and an investigation is ongoing. A TfL spokesperson said: “An empty train experienced a slow-speed partial derailment while not in customer service within Queens Park depot on the morning of June 29. We are currently investigating this incident, which did not result in any injuries, to find out the cause. We apologise to customers on the Bakerloo line for the disruption to the service whilst the investigation and work to repair damaged signals takes place.”
Passenger Frustration Mounts
One person said: “So the Bakerloo line has severe delays since yesterday morning due to an ‘operational incident’. How’s it carried on till today, with no update?” Another asked: “What is the ongoing Bakerloo line problem and when is it expected to be resolved?” “Endless. What is it now? Bakerloo line mess,” another added.
No Timeframe for Resolution
Transport for London (TfL) has told passengers it does not currently have a timeframe for when the issue will be resolved. Responding to a passenger, TfL said: “We don't have a confirmed timeframe on when this will be resolved. For further clarity on the Bakerloo line, please reach out to our London Underground team through the following web form.” Rail forums have suggested that an “operational incident” can sometimes refer to derailment, though this has not been confirmed by TfL.
Bakerloo Line Upgrade Plans
It comes as plans to upgrade the Bakerloo line have moved a step forward, with TfL now seeking land to expand depot space for its new fleet of trains. Subject to final approval, TfL is expected to order 36 new trains to replace what are currently the oldest trains in daily passenger service in the UK. The new fleet will be based on the design used for the Piccadilly line upgrade, meaning walk-through carriages, air conditioning, and larger train sizes.
Compulsory Purchase Order Considered
TfL has been in discussions with Network Rail and Arch Co, who own the required land, and is considering a Compulsory Purchase Order if an agreement can’t be reached. Upgrades would be needed at Stonebridge Park Depot in northwest London, along with improved stabling at Queen’s Park and London Road near Elephant & Castle, to meet the new trains’ operational and maintenance needs. Given the importance of the larger depots, TfL’s board is being asked to approve the CPO. A decision will be made at the meeting on July 8. The proposals, which depend on government funding, would allow 27 trains per hour to run on the line, seven more than the current 20. If plans go ahead, the new trains are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
