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It’s the bane of any London commuter’s life.
High-pitched screeching as train snakes its way through the vast underground network – not from another unruly passenger without headphones, but by the carriage’s metal wheels coming into contact with the curve in the tracks.
Transport for London (TfL) have now faced calls to lay out a clear and public plan detailing how they will deal with the issue, which affects both train users and residents unfortunate enough to live above hotspot areas.
Labour Assembly Members have been pushing TfL on the issue, especially in Brent, Kennington, Islington, Camden, and South Wimbledon, where people are particularly affected.
The transport network has taken steps to combat increasing noise levels, which can reach over 100 decibels – equivalent to a nearby helicopter taking off – such as a targeted track grinding programme between 2020 and 2022.
This was subsequently replaced by a “data led” approach, however.
Elly Baker, Labour’s Transport Spokesperson on the London Assembly, wrote to TfL Commissioner Andy Lord last month demanding transparency over the methodology and success of the new strategy despite the “frequency and depth of grinding interventions declining sharply”.
“Since that change, residents affected have reported a clear rise in noise levels,” she wrote in a letter seen by the LDRS.
“The six-monthly COO [Chief Operating Officer] report noted that train coasting has helped reduce noise in some sections of the network — yet no data has been published to demonstrate the actual scale of this benefit, or when coasting could be fully rolled out on the lines most affected.
“Residents are increasingly frustrated — not only because noise levels remain unaddressed, but because the information provided by TfL is becoming less, not more, detailed and less responsive to their lived experience.
“Many now feel that the root causes of Tube noise — including the link between noise and long term decisions about maintenance, renewals, and investment — are not being acknowledged, and this is undermining confidence that their concerns are being taken seriously.”
She has now demanded “consistent, specific data on all works carried out for the purpose of reducing Tube noise.”
TfL responded to Ms Baker by suggesting it would be a “significant logistical challenge” to provide monthly updates and said they were unable to provide longer term plans as “approvals are granted only eight weeks in advance.”
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Earlier today she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that she was “disappointed by TfL’s slow and piecemeal responses”, adding: “This issue spans the whole of London.
“I want to see a full investigation into the scope of this issue across the city so there can be a fully coordinated approach to tackling it. Residents deserve answers, and they deserve action.”
On Thursday, the Labour Assembly Member asked the Mayor of London why TfL’s approach appeared to be “worsening” on the issue – both in terms of action and transparency.
Sir Sadiq responded: “I recognise the impact that noise can have on people travelling on the Underground and the residents who live in close proximity.
“The principle cause of track noise is around corrugation, and TfL carries out regular grinding of the track to manage this.
“Given the negative impact this can have on users and residents, I’ve introduced a dedicated rail grinding budget, giving TfL access to £9million in 2025-26. This, alongside improved rail grinding efficiency, allows TfL to be more productive in tackling rail corrugation.
“Despite the uplift in TfL funding from this government, it remains the case that TfL resources are constrained.
“The London Underground is not only large, it’s also far older than any other metro system in the world and has unique infrastructure—infrastructural challenges.
“I want to assure Londoners that I understand the significant impact that high levels of Tube noise can have, and that’s why I expect TfL to continue to address all noise complaints with the seriousness they deserve. I’m particularly sensitive to the misery this causes those residents affected by this.”
The Mayor said TfL is taking a “data-led approach” to the problem and has started trialling both new rail grinding technology and speed variation on certain curves on the route to reduce noise.
Referring to the apparent information vacuum, he added: “If TfL are not responding to members of the Assembly with information and transparency in a manner that is befitting, it begs the question – are they responding to residents in terms of this issue?
“And so it’s really important for us to proceed. What I’ll do is ensure that the information they provide is far, far, far more detailed than is currently received.”
A TfL spokesperson told the LDRS: “We understand the importance of minimising noise levels on the Tube itself and in surrounding areas for our customers, staff and neighbours. This is a priority and we are determined to achieve this. As part of our work to improve noise and vibration issues, we have removed insulated rail joints, which removes a source of noise, and improved the condition of the track.
“We also continue to invest significantly in track renewal and maintenance, including a continuous programme of rail grinding and track modernisation. We have undertaken a significant amount of noise and vibration-related rail grinding in the last six months and will continue to carry out other targeted interventions to reduce noise, including the removal of redundant rail joints, the maintenance of points and crossings, and re-ballasting track.”