New motors will be installed in the Central line’s 26 year old trains to improve reliability and reduce delays, Transport for London (TfL) has said.

London Underground awarded the latest equipment contract for the Tube line, which serves Redbridge, Newham and Tower Hamlets, to Bombadier Transportation.

Starting from yesterday, and running until 2024, the rail technology company will supply new traction systems for the aging trains.

The Central line is the last London Underground fleet to upgrade from the old motor system, and TfL is confident this will improve reliability, performance and reduce energy consumption.

Mark Wild, managing director of London Underground, said: “The Central line is one of the busiest and most important lines on the London Underground network.

“We are making a number of improvements to reduce delays and make the line more reliable for our customers.

“Installing new motors is one of the most important parts of this work, and will mean we can deliver a more reliable service to our customers, which will in turn boost capacity.”

For the last two years readers have consistently complained about the Central line’s service, saying the trains are infrequent, the noise is too loud and the carriages are too hot.

TfL has promised 92 new air conditioned trains, but not until 2030.

Mr Wild believes the Bombadier motors are an important step in improving the reliability of the much used line.