London Underground achieves new international standard for asset management

London Underground has achieved the new international standard for asset management, the first rail authority in Europe to do so. 

London Underground has become the first rail authority in Europe to achieve certification against ISO 55001, the new international standard for asset management. London Underground announced the achievement represents an integrated approach to its day-to-day Tube services and wider strategic vision.

The ISO 55001 certification was awarded by auditors from Lloyd’s Register, who visited locations across the Tube network and interviewed a mix of staff from all areas of the asset lifecycle. Lloyd’s judged London Underground asset management practices to meet all aspects of the new standard.

Andy Jinks, Head of Asset Strategy and Investment at London Underground, commented: “Last year we operated around 80 million kilometres of track across London and supported over 1.3 billion passenger journeys, more than ever before in our 152 year history. Asset management is key to delivering this ongoing success. Receiving ISO 55001 certification proves we are spending our funds effectively and taking a whole-life cost approach, finding the right balance between maintenance and renewal.”

To support growing demand, London underground is putting in place a modernisation programme designed to maintain the announced achievement. The programme will see improvements to major stations, trains, track and control systems including Victoria, Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street. In addition, new air-conditioned walk-through trains are being introduced on 40 percent of the London Underground network – The Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and District lines already have these trains in service. London Underground anticipates a 30 percent increase in capacity following the modernisation programme.