28.11.08
Changing rooms: Tube Lines gives Neasden control centre a full makeover
Next step in Jubilee line upgrade begins
Major changes are afoot at the Jubilee line control centre at Neasden, from where London Underground employees manage train services. As part of the line upgrade which will mean faster, more frequent passenger services, Tube Lines is starting to completely refit the control centre whilst ensuring it can keep running 24/7.
The Jubilee line is currently controlled from two centres, one in Neasden depot and one at Baker Street. A detailed work programme will overhaul the Neasden centre so that the service control team can manage the whole line – from Stanmore to Stratford – from a single location, a significant improvement on the existing split set up.
New technology and desk layouts will make Neasden one of the most advanced line control bases in the world. Instead of a classroom layout which is typical of control centres, service controllers will sit in a circular layout to ensure they can easily communicate with each other. This better arrangement and their new multi-functional desks will enable them to flexibly oversee smoother services and respond more effectively should problems arise or incidents happen.
The focal point of any service control centre is the overview display, which shows details of what is happening along the entire line. Most centres use a single bank of screens at the front of the classroom layout. The new circular formation is made possible through using flat screens suspended from the ceiling.
Tube Lines and London Underground have worked together closely to design the most effective control centre to satisfy Jubilee line operational needs. They have carefully planned the refit to ensure that the London Underground team can continue to oversee daily services throughout the work.
Conrad Fawcett, Senior Project Manager at Tube Lines said:
“It’s a tough job to completely refit a live control centre, but our careful planning and the teamwork we’re seeing from London Underground mean we’re confident all will run according to plan. When the changeover is complete, service controllers will have a state-of-the-art base to provide the best passenger services.”
Paul Kilius-Smith, Head of Operational Upgrades at London Underground said:
“The line upgrade being delivered by Tube Lines will enable us to provide passengers with faster, more frequent services. The London Underground service control team face a challenge in continuing to do their jobs ‘Keeping London moving’ while upgrade work goes on around them - the combination of their professionalism and thorough planning by all involved gives me confidence that all will go smoothly.”
Work started this week and will finish next year. The Jubilee line upgrade will be delivered by Tube Lines by the end of 2009, using a Thales moving block train control system.
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