Tube: Central line train failures set to cause problems for months

The 30-year-old trains are "among the least reliable" on the London Underground, TfL says

Recent disruption on the Central line has been caused by "an abnormally high number of motor failures" on its trains, Transport for London (TfL) has said.

It said the problem was down to the fleet being more than 30 years old and "among the least reliable" on the Tube.

In an email to customers, TfL said: "Engineers are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible."

But it warned the problems may continue for months to come.

TfL said it received a delivery of refurbished motor parts for the failing trains last week but explained it was a "complex process" which meant fewer trains were available while the work takes place.

Although it said the work should help improve the service, TfL warned that motor failures were happening "at a higher rate than we've experienced before".

People using the Central line are advised to allow more time for their journeys and to consider using alternative routes.

The Central line trains are all due to be overhauled

Nick Dent, TfL's director of customer operations, said: "I apologise to Central line customers for the delays they have experienced in recent weeks.

"We have experienced an abnormally high number of defective traction motors that has required us to take several trains out of service and implement an amended timetable.

"Our engineers are working extremely hard to get as many trains into service for customers as possible."

Trains on the Central line are gradually being overhauled as part of the £500m Central Line Improvement Programme.