TfL Faces Calls to Address Tube Noise

Transport for London (TfL) is facing renewed pressure from Labour London Assembly members to present a transparent and actionable strategy for reducing noise on the London Underground. The issue is particularly acute on the Northern, Victoria, and Central lines, where passengers and nearby residents have reported significant disturbances from high-pitched screeching sounds.

Concerns Over Transparency and Effectiveness

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Elly Baker, Labour's transport spokesperson on the London Assembly, has written to TfL Commissioner Andy Lord expressing disappointment with the current approach. Baker stated that since TfL shifted to a 'data-led' strategy after a track-grinding programme concluded in 2022, the frequency and depth of grinding interventions have declined. She reported that affected residents have noted a clear rise in noise levels, with insufficient data published to demonstrate the benefits of measures like train coasting.

Baker told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that residents feel frustrated by the lack of progress and transparency. She highlighted that information provided by TfL is becoming less detailed and less responsive to their experiences. Many believe the fundamental causes of tube noise, linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions, are not being acknowledged, eroding confidence that their concerns are being taken seriously.

“Residents are increasingly frustrated — not only because noise levels remain unaddressed, but because the information provided by TfL is becoming less, not more, detailed and less responsive to their lived experience.”

Elly Baker, Labour's transport spokesperson on the London Assembly

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Mayor's Commitment and TfL's Response

In response to questions from Baker, Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan acknowledged the impact of noise on travellers and residents. He explained that track corrugation is the primary cause of noise, which TfL manages through regular grinding. To address this, Khan has introduced a dedicated rail grinding budget of £9 million for 2025/26, aiming to improve productivity in tackling corrugation.

Khan stated that TfL is employing a 'data-led approach' and is trialling new rail grinding technology and speed variations on specific curves to reduce noise. He also committed to ensuring TfL provides more detailed information regarding noise reduction efforts. A TfL spokesperson confirmed that minimising noise is a priority, detailing ongoing work including track renewal, maintenance, and targeted interventions such as removing redundant rail joints and re-ballasting track.

Next Steps and Ongoing Efforts

Baker has called for a comprehensive investigation into the scope of the noise issue across London to enable a coordinated approach. She emphasised that residents deserve both answers and action. TfL indicated that providing monthly updates would be a significant logistical challenge and that longer-term plans are approved only eight weeks in advance. The transport network continues to invest in track maintenance and modernisation, including a continuous programme of rail grinding.