The Victoria line has emerged as the hottest line on the London Underground, according to data from Transport for London (TfL). Throughout 2023, the average platform temperature was recorded at 82.8°F (28.2°C), with temperatures soaring above 86°F (30°C) between June and October.
Following closely, the Central line averaged 80.1°F (26.7°C), and the Bakerloo line came in at 78.8°F (26.0°C). Meanwhile, the air-conditioned Circle, Hammersmith & City, District, and Metropolitan lines were the coolest, with an average temperature of 66.7°F (19.3°C).
TfL has been actively working to reduce heat levels in stations and tunnels by introducing new ventilation and cooling solutions. This includes doubling the capacity of 13 ventilation shafts along the Victoria line.
Back in 2013, the Victoria line had an average temperature of 71.4°F (21.9°C), marking an increase of over 10°F (6°C) over the past decade. TfL routinely monitors platform temperatures using data loggers to track these changes.
A decade ago, the Bakerloo, Central, Piccadilly, and Northern lines were the warmest on the network, yet all had average temperatures below 78.8°F (26°C).
While the recent data did not include the London Overground and Elizabeth line, it did show 49 complaints last year about excessive heat on the Tube. Additionally, 15 people complained about it being too cold.
Nick Dent, TfL’s director of customer operations, stated, “We’re working hard to ensure our transport services remain resilient in the face of more extreme and frequent hot weather events. We have implemented energy-efficient solutions on new trains, which save energy and reduce the heat generated. This includes air conditioning, which now covers 40% of the Underground network, enhanced tunnel ventilation systems on both the Victoria and Jubilee lines, and on the Central line, we have installed solar reflective material on train roofs and films on windows to keep the carriages cooler.”
Remember, when traveling on the Tube during the summer to always have water with you to stay hydrated!
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.