Talking Point: Which of the Tube lines is the noisiest?

Unless you’re fresh off the boat you probably have opinions on which lines you like (Victoria, Metropolitan) and which lines you’d rather avoid (cough, Central). However, which London Underground line happens to be the noisiest has long been a debate among commuters but thankfully now we have some data to settle the argument.

Unsurprisingly, the Northern line has received the most noise complaints over the last four years, with a total of 282 residential noise and vibration complaints made against the service between 2018 and February 2022.

Frequent commuters may also not be surprised to hear that the Victoria line came in second, with a total of 252 complaints over the same time period. Third worst was the District line with 138 complaints, followed by the Jubilee line, on 108, despite it being one of the newest lines on the network.

And if you’re looking for a noise-free commute then the Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines are the way to go, with both receiving less than 30 complaints over the last four years.

The figures were revealed by Mayor Sadiq Khan following a written question from Lib Dem London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon about noise pollution on the Underground.

Mr Khan said TfL “understands the importance of minimising noise levels for neighbours, customers and staff” and revealed that 15,000 metres of rail-grinding work has been carried out in the past six months to smooth corrugated rails which are the “principal cause” of track noise.

Which of London’s Tube lines do you think is the noisiest? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website tomorrow.

Lee_Enfield said: “The advice to stay home if you have a cold or flu seems very sensible to me. Why spread the cold or flu to others?”