Night Tube to begin in August as Khan aims to boost London’s night-time economy

The arrival of a 24-hour service for the London Underground will begin this summer, after a series of delays under former Mayor Boris Johnson. The night tube is set to begin on certain lines on 19 August after agreements with trade unions, involving training up to 200 new drivers, with a wider roll-out hoped for the Autumn.

Sadiq Khan, the new London Mayor, said that he has made getting the night tube running a “priority” and believes it is an “absolutely vital” part of his plan for boosting the capital’s night-time economy.

The Central and Victoria lines should start running night services on Fridays and Saturdays from August 19, while Northern, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines could follow later in the year. However, the RMT union, whose workers largely staff the latter three lines, have not yet agreed to a deal – meaning that a start date for those services has not yet been met.

Khan said: “The Night Tube is absolutely vital to my plans to support and grow London’s night-time economy – creating more jobs and opportunities for all Londoners.

“The constant delays under the previous mayor let Londoners down badly. I have made getting the Night Tube up and running a priority.”

Tube workers have been on strike over the pay and conditions under previous plans for the service – although unions do support a night tube, which will be a considerable help to low-paid workers on unsociable hours.

Florence Eshalomi, Labour transport spokesperson in the London Assembly, welcomed the move, saying it was a sign of “what progress can be made if you have a Mayor willing to put in the work.”

“In a matter of weeks Sadiq Khan has managed to get the Night Tube back on track after almost two years of dithering and delay under the previous Mayor Boris Johnson,” she said.

“The Night Tube will be an excellent expansion of London’s transport network, and great news for the night-time economy but TfL have to introduce it in a safe and sympathetic way. That means having staff around to ensure passenger safety and action to prevent excessive noise disturbance for those living close to night tube lines.”