Northern line closure angers students

Photo credit: osde8info/Flickr

Sections of London’s Northern line will be closed for repairs and upgrades for the next 17 months, says Transport for London.

The Northern Line will have scheduled closures from the 19th of July to the 24th of November 2011. These closures will mainly occur during Monday to Thursday after 2330 each evening and some weekends. During these periods the line will receive maintenance upgrades by private maintenance firm Tube Lines.

Students from colleges serviced by the Northern line were not happy about the upcoming closures.

Near Angel station students at City University voiced their disapproval. One student said “I know people who have [bought] monthly passes but are now going to be screwed”.

According to Transport for London the Northern line is scheduled to switch to automatic train operation in 2011, using the same system being introduced on the Jubilee line in 2009. This upgrade will increase time accuracy and decrease delays.

According to BBC News, plans to end services on the line by 2330 on weekdays could mean fewer services from 2000, which ultimately means that people who depend on public transport will have to find a way to adjust to the changes. In a statement made by TFL late night passengers are advised to start their journeys earlier, if they intend to catch last train connections.

For more information about the closures in your nearby tube station, check out Transport for London.