Automation of the London Underground Automation of the London Underground Automation of London Underground rolling stock has been partially implemented since the introduction of automatic train operation on the Hainault to Woodford section of the Central line in 1964. It is currently in use on four lines. Transport for London plans to extend this to other lines by 2022. Partially automated trains using Automatic Train Operation (ATO) have been used on passenger services on the Victoria line since 1968. The side doors to the driver's cab were sealed, so that access was normally through the passenger saloon. Since the trains were to be operated by
History of the London Underground London (TfL), which had been opposed to the arrangement and, following financial failure of the infrastructure companies, had taken full responsibility by 2010. The contactless Oyster card first went on sale in 2003. The East London line closed in 2007 to be converted into a London Overground line, and in December 2009 the Circle line changed from serving a closed loop around the centre of London to a spiral also serving Hammersmith. Currently there is an upgrade programme to increase capacity on several Underground lines, and work is under way on a Northern line extension to Battersea. In the first