EKE-Electronics played a key role in modernising the Central and Bakerloo Line fleets, upgrading critical systems to extend their service life and ensure seamless integration with London Underground’s infrastructure. With decades of experience and a proven track record as the original system supplier, EKE-Electronics was well-positioned to support the technical and operational demands of this complex refurbishment.
London Underground faced the challenge of extending the service life of its Central Line and Bakerloo Line fleets while ensuring continued reliability, compliance, and improved passenger experience. The Central Line’s fleet of 85 eight-car trainsets, introduced between 1991 and 1994, required significant upgrades to key onboard systems, particularly the Data Transmission System and Passenger Information/Public Announcement (PIS/PA) system. These systems were outdated and no longer met evolving customer expectations or updated legislative requirements.
The original Data Transmission System for the Central Line was supplied by EKE-Electronics and Westinghouse Signals & Brakes during the fleet’s initial service entry. After decades of operation, replacing this system was a key priority to ensure continued performance and reliability.
Similarly, the Bakerloo Line’s 1972 stock trains, the oldest passenger trains still in service in Britain, required modernisation to maintain operational performance. London Underground aimed to upgrade the Train Control and Management System (TCMS) and PIS/PA system of the 1972 stock to meet customer expectations, comply with legislative requirements, and extend the fleet’s operational life. The refurbishment project, covering 252 metro cars, was essential to keeping the fleet in service until its planned retirement.
With the Central Line carrying over 260 million passengers annually and the Bakerloo Line serving 125 million, maintaining reliable service was critical. London Underground needed a solution that would seamlessly replace legacy systems while supporting the continued safe and efficient operation of both lines.
Central Line
2017-2023 (Although the schedule was compromised due to COVID restrictions)
Bakerloo Line
2021-2023 (Although the schedule was compromised due to COVID restrictions)
EKE-Electronics delivered a full turn-key modernisation of the Central Line fleet’s Data Transmission System. This included installation design and prototype train installation, which played a crucial role in helping London Underground plan their own works and production. This hands-on support ensured the project progressed efficiently despite the complexity of the requirements.
For the Bakerloo Line fleet, EKE-Electronics provided a full turn-key modernisation of the Train Control and Management System (TCMS). As with the Central Line, this included installation design and prototype train installation, enabling London Underground to effectively plan and manage their wider refurbishment efforts.
Central Line
EKE-Electronics provided a comprehensive solution incorporating multiple systems and functionalities, ensuring seamless integration and efficient operation. The solution included:
EKE’s integrated approach ensured that each component functioned harmoniously, providing London Underground with a modern, future-proof system.
Bakerloo Line
For the Bakerloo Line fleet, EKE-Electronics delivered:
This modernisation supported London Underground in extending the operational life of the Bakerloo Line fleet while improving system performance and efficiency.
By choosing EKE-Electronics as their system integrator, London Underground benefited from a fully coordinated, end-to-end solution. Specifically, EKE-Electronics managed all aspects of the project, including the integration of various subsystems and the seamless coordination with third-party suppliers. Consequently, this approach relieved the customer from the complexities of managing multiple vendors, ensuring that all components functioned harmoniously. As a result, the customer gained significant time savings and reduced operational risks, since EKE-Electronics took full responsibility for interfacing the subsystems, optimising overall system performance, and ensuring smooth project delivery within the agreed timelines.
