Severe delays threaten to disrupt the morning commute for Metropolitan Line passengers today as Transport for London (TfL) struggled to introduce a new signalling system.



TfL told commuters to seek other routes to work while engineers address the issues on the line, which extends from the City into the northwest of London.

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“Severe delays while we establish our new signaling system,” TfL said.



“London Underground tickets will be accepted on Chiltern Railways, London Overground and local bus services via any reasonable route.”



London Underground also warned last week that there would be fewer trains on the Met Line as it rolls out the new signalling system.



The project is part of a four-line upgrade to eventually run more trains across the Circle, District, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines.



But as TfL beds in the new signalling system there will be fewer trains on the Met Line until Thursday, 5 September.



The four lines date back to 1863 and TfL wants to replace some of the equipment on them.



“We’re introducing new technology that will reduce journey times and increase capacity – essential to support London’s growing population,” TfL said.



Work on the new signalling system began in the summer of 2016 with the ultimate goal of creating self-driving trains.

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“The new signalling system allows trains to be run closer together, meaning a more frequent service and shorter waiting times, allowing more people to be carried,” TfL said. “This new technology will enable us to reduce delays and improve reliability.”



It expects to run 32 trains per hour once the signalling system is installed, a 33 per cent rise in rush hour capacity.

