Tube escalators past shelf life force TfL to cut refurbishment rate

Residents using Barnet’s Tube stations face longer waits and reduced reliability after Transport for London cut the frequency of escalator refurbishments. High Barnet, Finchley Central and other local stations are among 153 across the network operating beyond their expected lifespan, according to data released under Freedom of Information rules.

The figures, published in July, show more than a quarter of London Underground’s 566 escalators are past their shelf life. TfL has shifted to a risk-based maintenance approach, monitoring escalators more closely instead of refurbishing them every 20 years and replacing them after 40. The change aims to save money but has led to more unexpected outages, London Assembly member Elly Baker said.

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Spending and safety checks

TfL spent £56.1m on escalators in the 2025-26 financial year. Of that total, £38.6m covered operating costs, while £17.5m was allocated for capital upgrades, renewals and modernisation. An additional £1.3m was spent on reactive maintenance call-outs, the Mayor’s office confirmed.

A TfL spokesperson said 95% of escalators remain available to passengers, despite heavy usage. Some have been temporarily withdrawn or placed under increased inspection to maintain reliability. Funding for replacements is prioritised based on customer usage and safety assessments across the entire TfL network.

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It's really important that we make sure escalators are working on the Tube, but I am concerned that TfL aren't giving it enough of a priority.

Elly Baker, London Assembly transport spokesperson

Impact on Barnet residents

Barnet’s Tube stations serve thousands of daily commuters, many of whom rely on escalators to reach platforms. High Barnet station, the northern terminus of the Northern line, has three escalators, while Finchley Central has two. Neither station’s escalators have been confirmed as past their shelf life, but TfL has not disclosed which specific escalators are affected.

Baker warned that unexpected escalator failures could discourage passengers from using the Tube, undermining City Hall’s target for 80% of journeys to be made by public transport, walking or cycling by 2041. The shift to a risk-based approach means some escalators may remain in service longer than previously planned, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.

What happens next

TfL has not announced plans to reverse its risk-based maintenance approach. The next formal step is the publication of the 2026-27 budget, expected in early 2026, which will set out capital and operating expenditure for escalators. Residents can submit comments to TfL’s public consultations or contact their local assembly member to raise concerns.