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Night Tube: Launch date finally announced for all-night Underground service

The long-awaited launch of the Night Tube has finally been announced after almost a year’s delay, with the first services commencing from 19th August.

As part of the partial roll-out, all-night trains will run on Friday and Saturday nights on the Central and Victoria Lines starting this summer, but Londoners will have to wait until the Autumn to enjoy late night journeys on the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Northern Lines.

It comes after a bitter dispute with rail unions over driver’s pay meant the Night Tube missed its originally planned launch of last summer; however, an agreement was struck with Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) in March, paving the way for today’s belated launch.

Ahead of the launch, 200 part-time train drivers are currently taking part in a 14-week training course to get them up to speed before August’s launch.

In his announcement, Khan took aim at Boris Johnson, blaming the previous Mayor for the service’s significant delays. He said: “The constant delays under the previous mayor let Londoners down badly. I have made getting the Night Tube up and running a priority and London Underground has now confirmed the services on the first two lines will launch on 19 August.”

The Night Tube service has significant backing from the business community with City Hall estimating that the new all-night trains could boost London’s economy to the tune of £360m.