View source for Victoria line

{{Short description|London Underground line}}
{{for|the fortifications in Malta|Victoria Lines}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Victoria line
| logo                            = London flag boxes - Underground Victoria line.svg
| logo_width                      = 250px
| logo_alt                        = Victoria line in Johnston typeface, as used by tfl
| image                           = 2009 stock at Euston.jpg
| image_width                     = 250
| image_alt                       = 
| caption                         = A [[London Underground 2009 Stock|2009 stock]] Victoria line train departs {{lus|Euston}}
| type                            = [[Rapid transit]]
| system                          = [[London Underground]]
| start                           = Walthamstow Central
| mapcolour                       = Light blue
| mapcolourlink                   = Tube map
| end                             = Brixton
| stations                        = 16
| ridership2                      = 302.009 million (2019)<ref>{{cite web |title=London Assembly Questions to the Mayor |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tube-usage-1|publisher=London Assembly |year=2022 |access-date=29 February 2024}}</ref> passenger journeys
| open                            = {{start date and age|1968|09|01|df=y}}
| lastextension                   = 1971
| operator                        = London Underground Limited
| character                       = Deep-level
| depot                           = [[Northumberland Park Depot|Northumberland Park]]
| stock                           = [[London Underground 2009 Stock|2009 Stock]]
| linelength_km                   = 21
| tracklength_km                  = 
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| electrification                 = {{630 V DC|conductor=fourth rail}}
| speed_km/h                      = 80
| signalling                      = [[Communications-based train control|CBTC]] (Distance to Go Radio)
| website                         = {{Official URL}}
| map_name                        = [[Transport for London]] {{nowrap|rail lines}}
| map                             = {{London rail lines}}
| map_state                       = collapsed
}}

The '''Victoria line''' is a [[London Underground]] line that runs between {{lus|Brixton}} in [[South London]], and {{stn|Walthamstow Central}} in the east, via the [[West End of London|West End]]. It is printed in light blue on the [[Tube map]] and is one of the only two lines on the network to run completely underground, the other being the [[Waterloo & City line]].{{refn|The exception is a branch line not used by passengers from [[Seven Sisters station|Seven Sisters]] to the line's depot at Northumberland Park, position: {{Coord|51|36|04|N|000|03|11|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=1 - Northumberland Park Depot}}|group=note}}

The line was constructed in the 1960s and was the first entirely new Underground line in London for 50 years. It was designed to reduce congestion on other lines, particularly the [[Piccadilly line]] and the {{lus|Charing Cross}} branch of the [[Northern line]]. The first section, from Walthamstow Central to {{stn|Highbury & Islington}}, opened in September 1968 and an extension to {{lus|Warren Street}} followed in December. The line was completed to [[London Victoria station|Victoria station]] in March 1969 and was opened by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] who rode a train from [[Green Park tube station|Green Park]] to Victoria. The southern extension to Brixton opened in 1971, and {{lus|Pimlico}} (the only station in the line without an interchange) was added in 1972.

The Victoria line is operated using [[automatic train operation]], but all trains have drivers. The [[London Underground 2009 Stock|2009 Tube Stock]] replaced the original [[London Underground 1967 Stock|1967 Tube Stock trains]]. The line serves 16 stations and all but Pimlico provide interchanges with other [[Transport for London]] or [[National Rail]] services. The line, the most intensively used on the Underground,{{refn|in terms of the average number of journeys per mile|group=note}} was used by 302&nbsp;million passengers in 2019, making it the second-busiest tube line. With trains arriving every 100{{nbsp}}seconds at peak times, it is one of the most frequent rapid transit lines in the world.

==History==

===Planning===
The first proposal for a railway in this area appeared in the [[County of London Plan]], published in 1943.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=143}} In 1948, a working party set up by the [[British Transport Commission]] (BTC) proposed a tube railway from [[Victoria, London|Victoria]] to [[Walthamstow]],{{sfn|Horne|1988|pp=14–15}} largely based on a 1946 plan for a [[Croydon]]-to-[[Finsbury Park (area)|Finsbury Park]] line. Its main purpose was to relieve congestion in the central area, which had been a problem since the 1930s.{{sfn|Wolmar|2012|p=301}} Other benefits were linking the key railway stations at {{rws|Victoria|London}}, {{rws|Euston}}, {{rws|King's Cross|London}} and {{rws|St Pancras}} and improving connections between north-east London and the city.{{sfn|HMSO|1959|p=10}}

In early 1949, the BTC committee looked at the feasibility of building a deep-level tube to fulfil these requirements.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=148}} For the first time, [[cost–benefit analysis]] was used to ensure the line would be built within budget and be profitable.{{sfn|Wolmar|2012|pp=300–301}} A [[private bill]] was introduced in Parliament in 1955, describing a line from [[London Victoria station#London Underground station|Victoria]] to Walthamstow ({{rws|Wood Street}}), next to the [[British Rail]] station. Another proposal, not in the bill, supported an extension from Victoria to [[Fulham Broadway tube station|Fulham Broadway]] on the [[District line]] terminating at [[Edmonton, London|Edmonton]] instead of Walthamstow.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]] |date=April 1955 |editor-first=B.W.C. |editor-last=Cooke |title=Proposed New London Underground |volume=101 |issue=648 |pages=279–281 |location=London}}</ref>{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=153}} Proposals were made to extend the line north to [[South Woodford tube station|South Woodford]] or [[Woodford tube station|Woodford]] to provide interchange with the [[Central line (London Underground)|Central line]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1963/dec/18/public-passenger-transport-london#S5CV0686P0_19631218_CWA_125 |title=Public Passenger Transport, London |publisher=Hansard |date=18 December 1963}}</ref> In 1961, it was decided that the line would terminate at Walthamstow (Hoe Street) station rather than Wood Street – this would cut costs by £1.4{{nbsp}}million, and "satisfactory interchange" with [[British Railways]] was available at Hoe Street station.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 1962 |title=Victoria Line Change |journal=London Transport Magazine |volume=15 |issue=10 |page=5 |quote=Plans for the alignment in the Walthamstow area of the proposed Victoria tube railway line are being changed so that it ends at Hoe Street station, and not at Wood Street station as originally intended. This is because alterations to the layout of the British Railways track and overhead electrical equipment at Wood Street would too costly. Satisfactory interchange with the Eastern Region electric service to Highams Park and Chingford will be provided at Hoe Street. [...] The revision of plans will cut the capital cost of the Victoria line by about €1,400,000.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Horne |first=Mike |title=The Victoria Line: An Illustrated History |publisher=Capital Transport |year=2005 |isbn=1-85414-292-5 |page=26}}</ref> Walthamstow (Hoe Street) was later renamed {{rws|Walthamstow Central}} on 6 May 1968 in anticipation of the line's opening).{{sfn|Horne|1988|p=15}}{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=240}} The line was planned to have [[cross-platform interchange]]s at [[Oxford Circus tube station|Oxford Circus]], [[Euston tube station|Euston]] and {{stn|Finsbury Park}} (with the Bakerloo, Northern (Bank) and Piccadilly lines respectively) and at Walthamstow Central to provide a quick and easy connection between the new line and existing services.{{sfn|HMSO|1959|p=13}}

The name "Victoria line" dates from 1955; other suggestions were "Walvic line" (Walthamstow–Victoria), "Viking line" (Victoria–King's Cross), "[[Mayfair]] line" and "[[West End of London|West End]] line".{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=153}} During the planning stages, it was known as ''Route C'' and named the Victoria line (after the station) by David McKenna, Chairman of British Transport Advertising, whose suggestion was seconded by [[John Elliot (railway manager)|Sir John Elliot]].{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=153}}{{sfn|Klapper|1976|p=123}} The board decided that the Victoria line sounded "just right".{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=153}}

===Walthamstow–Victoria===
Initial construction began in January 1960, when two test tunnels were started from [[Tottenham]] to [[Manor House, London|Manor House]] under [[Seven Sisters Road]]. The tunnels were excavated using an experimental "drum digger" rotary shield, powered by [[hydraulic ram]]s, that could cut more than {{convert|60|ft}} per day. The work was completed in July 1961, with the expectation it would be used for the completed Victoria line.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=156}}

After the line gained parliamentary approval on 20 August 1962 with a budget of £56{{nbsp}}million, construction began the following month.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|pp=160–161}} The economic boom of the mid-to-late 1950s had faded leading to a rise in unemployment in London, and the government had hoped that building the Victoria line would alleviate this.{{sfn|Martin|2012|p=235}} Work began adapting Oxford Circus station to link to the new line; a cross-platform interchange was provided with the [[Bakerloo line]] and a subway link with the Central line.{{sfn|HMSO|1959|p=36}} A steel umbrella was erected over the junction in August 1963 so that a new ticket hall could be built without disrupting existing traffic.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|pp=160–161}} Rolling stock on the line was fitted with [[Automatic Train Operation]] (ATO), which allowed self-driving of the train based on automatic electrical signals along the track.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=160}} In March 1964, a £2.25{{nbsp}}million contract was awarded to [[Metro-Cammell]] for the Victoria line fleet.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=161}}

That October, the [[Northern City Line]] closed between {{rws|Drayton Park}} and {{rws|Finsbury Park}} so that the latter station could be redesigned for a cross-platform interchange between the Victoria and Piccadilly lines. All major contracts had been awarded by 1965, and construction was on track to be completed in 1968.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=163}} New stations were constructed at Walthamstow Central, {{rws|Blackhorse Road}}, {{rws|Tottenham Hale}} and {{rws|Seven Sisters}}.{{sfn|HMSO|1959|p=37}} The station at Blackhorse Road was built on the opposite side of the road from the mainline station (serving the [[Gospel Oak to Barking line|Kentish Town to Barking line]]) and was not an interchange.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=167}}{{refn|The Kentish Town-to-Barking service, serving Blackhorse Road, was proposed for closure under the [[Beeching cuts]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.railengineer.uk/2016/09/13/gospel-oak-to-barking-renaissance/ |title=Gospel Oak to Barking Renaissance |work=Rail Engineer |date=13 September 2016 |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712122518/https://www.railengineer.uk/2016/09/13/gospel-oak-to-barking-renaissance/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>|group=note}}

The line opened from Walthamstow Central to {{stn|Highbury & Islington}} on 1 September 1968.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=166}}<ref name="Modern-Railways-1068">{{cite magazine |date=October 1968 |title=London's new tube starts work |magazine=Modern Railways |publisher=Ian Allan Ltd. |location=Shepperton, Middlesex |volume=XXIV |issue=241 |page=532}}</ref> There was no opening ceremony; instead the normal timetable started.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=166}} The first train left Walthamstow Central for Highbury & Islington at 7:32&nbsp;a.m. The line proved to meet a need; more than 1,000 tickets were purchased at Highbury & Islington within its first hour of opening.<ref name=times19680902>{{cite news |title=Busy start for Victoria Line |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=2 September 1968 |page=3 |access-date=12 September 2018 |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=kccl&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS51736354&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The next section to [[Warren Street tube station|Warren Street]], opened on 1 December 1968, again without ceremony.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=166}} The line was formally opened by Queen [[Elizabeth II]] on 7 March 1969 when it had been completed to Victoria. At 11:00&nbsp;a.m., the Queen made the first trip, on a 5[[£sd|d]] (2.08p) ticket, from Green Park to Victoria, where she unveiled a plaque.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=168}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Victoria Line |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=7 March 1969 |page=X |access-date=13 September 2018|url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=kccl&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS771977319&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> In so doing, she was the first reigning monarch to ride on the Underground.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/history/150-facts-for-150-years-of-the-london-tube-8444153.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220817/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/history/150-facts-for-150-years-of-the-london-tube-8444153.html |archive-date=17 August 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=150 Facts for 150 Years of the Tube |newspaper=The Independent |date=9 January 2013 |access-date=13 September 2018}}</ref> The line was open to the general public by 3:00&nbsp;p.m. Trains from Walthamstow to Victoria took around 24{{nbsp}}minutes.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=168}}

===Victoria–Brixton===
[[File:PimlicoStation.jpg|thumb|[[Pimlico tube station|Pimlico station]] was the last part of the Victoria line to open, and is the line's only station that is not an interchange.]]
The {{convert|3.5|mile|adj=on}} extension from Victoria to Brixton with stations at {{rws|Vauxhall}} and [[Stockwell tube station|Stockwell]] was approved in March 1966.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=163}} Preparatory work had started at Bessborough Gardens near [[Inner Ring Road, London#Vauxhall Bridge Road|Vauxhall Bridge Road]] in May 1967.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seeing Red Over A Green |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=24 May 1967 |page=2 |access-date=12 September 2018 |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=kccl&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS34434232&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> The contract was awarded on 4 August 1967.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=163}} A proposal to build [[Pimlico tube station]] received Government approval on 28 June 1968.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1968/jun/28/victoria-line-extension-pimlico-station|title=Victoria Line Extension (Pimlico Station) (Hansard, 28 June 1968)|website=api.parliament.uk|access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=166}} In July, the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]] and the [[Charles III|Prince of Wales]] visited tunnel workings under Vauxhall Park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Picture Gallery |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=13 July 1968 |page=3 |access-date=12 September 2018 |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=kccl&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS51605229&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The Brixton extension was bored using the older [[James Henry Greathead#Greathead Shield|Greathead shield]]. Although slower, use of the [[tunnelling shield]] allowed easier digging through the gravel strata south of the Thames. It was opened on 23 July 1971 by [[Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy|Princess Alexandra]], who made a journey from Brixton to {{stn|Vauxhall}}.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=171}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Picture Gallery |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=24 July 1971 |page=2 |access-date=14 April 2018 |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=kccl&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS34436344&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> On opening, it was the first new section of Underground to open south of the Thames since the extension of the [[City and South London Railway]] from [[Clapham Common tube station|Clapham Common]] to [[Morden tube station|Morden]] in 1926.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=171}} The final piece of the Victoria line, Pimlico station, opened on 14 September 1972.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=172}}

London Transport considered extensions to Streatham, Dulwich and Crystal Palace to provide a connection to southeast London and Kent but no construction work was undertaken.<ref>{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Warman |title=GLC Conservatives hope to put north Kent towns on Tube |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=23 March 1973 |page=6 |access-date=13 September 2018 |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=kccl&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS101152887&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Post-opening===
The Kentish Town to Barking line did not close as expected and both stations at Blackhorse Road remained open. The mainline station was moved to the same side of the road as the tube station and was connected to the Victoria line on 14 December 1981 via an overbridge. The original station was then closed and demolished.{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=36}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barking-gospeloak.org.uk/documents/20120427_e_bulletin.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.barking-gospeloak.org.uk/documents/20120427_e_bulletin.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2022 |url-status=live |page=14 |title=Barking – Gospel Oak Line User Group E-Bulletin |date=27 April 2012 |access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref>

The London Underground (Victoria) Act 1991 allowed for the construction of a {{convert|43|m|adj=on|sigfig=2}} underground pedestrian link at Victoria station between the Victoria line platforms and the sub-surface Circle line platforms above.<ref name="victoria-act-1991">{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1991/10/enacted |title=London Underground (Victoria) Act 1991 |date=27 June 1991 |access-date=11 June 2012 |format=Statutory Instrument |publisher=The National Archives}}</ref> The London Underground (Victoria Station Upgrade) Order 2009 came into force in September that year, authorising the construction of a second {{convert|1930| m2|adj=on|sigfig=2}} ticket hall at Victoria.<ref name="victoria-station-twao">{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/2364/made |title=The London Underground (Victoria Station Upgrade) Order 2009 |date=28 August 2009 |access-date=11 June 2012 |format=Statutory Instrument |issue=2364 |publisher=The National Archives}}</ref>

[[Warren Street tube station]] was attacked in the 21st July 2005 London bombings. There were no fatalities in this attack. After the [[7 July 2005 London bombings]], there was heightened security. The Metropolitan Police wrongly detained and fatally shot 27-year-old [[Jean Charles de Menezes]] once he boarded a train at {{lus|Stockwell}}. After his death, a memorial to Menezes was placed close to Stockwell station.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/jury-sees-harrowing-de-menezes-film-6631730.html | title=Jury sees harrowing de Menezes film | date=12 April 2012 }}</ref>

On 23 January 2014, during upgrade work at Victoria, construction workers accidentally penetrated the signalling room of the Victoria line and flooded it with quick-drying [[concrete]], leading to the suspension of services south of Warren Street.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25862543|work=BBC News|title=Victoria Tube line part shut hit by wet concrete flood|date=23 January 2014|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref> Services resumed the following day after sugar was used to slow the setting of the concrete and make it easier to shovel out.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/10594427/Underground-blunder-sugar-used-to-slow-concrete-setting.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/10594427/Underground-blunder-sugar-used-to-slow-concrete-setting.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Underground blunder: 'sugar used to slow concrete setting'|date=24 January 2014|access-date=30 July 2017|last1=Edgar|first1=James}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10594718/Why-sugar-helped-remove-Victoria-Line-concrete-flood.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10594718/Why-sugar-helped-remove-Victoria-Line-concrete-flood.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Why sugar helped remove Victoria Line concrete flood|date=24 January 2014|access-date=25 January 2014|last1=Gray|first1=Richard}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

A 24-hour [[Night Tube]] service on Friday and Saturday nights, due to start in September 2015 on the entire line,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/tube-improvements/the-future-of-the-tube/night-tube |title=The Night Tube |work=The Future of the Tube |access-date=11 July 2015 |publisher= [[Transport for London]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711150816/https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/tube-improvements/the-future-of-the-tube/night-tube |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> was delayed because of strike action.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-37108375|title=Night Tube begins in London, bringing 'huge boost' to capital|work=BBC News|date=20 August 2016|access-date=24 August 2018}}</ref> The service began in August 2016, with trains running at 10-minute intervals on the whole line.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/tube-improvements/what-we-are-doing/night-tube |title=The Night Tube |website=Transport for London |access-date=21 August 2016 }}</ref>

==Design==
Every Victoria line station, apart from Pimlico and Blackhorse Road, <!-- Blackhorse Road was not originally built as an interchange, it was re-sited in the 1980s.--> was built as an [[interchange station|interchange]] and several stations were rearranged to allow for cross-platform interchange with the line. In some stations, the Victoria line platforms were built on either side of the existing arrangement; in others, the Victoria line uses the older platforms and the existing line was diverted onto a new alignment.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|pp=167–168}} All platforms on the line are {{convert|132.6|m}} long.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lurs.org.uk/documents/pdf%2007/march/2009%20Tube%20Stock%20on%20Track%20march.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.lurs.org.uk/documents/pdf%2007/march/2009%20Tube%20Stock%20on%20Track%20march.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=2009 Tube Stock on Track |access-date=12 July 2009 |publisher=London Underground Railway Society}}</ref> The line has hump-backed stations to allow trains to store [[gravitational energy|gravitational potential energy]] as they slow down and release it when they leave a station, providing an energy saving of 5% and allowing trains to run 9% faster.<ref>{{withouthotair}}</ref><ref name=victoriacut>{{cite web |url=https://londonist.com/2016/05/slash-minutes-off-your-tube-journey-with-the-victoria-line-cut |title=This Northern Line Cheat Will Save You Minutes On Every Commute |work=Londonist |date=27 May 2016 |access-date=14 September 2018}}</ref>

The stations were originally tiled in blue and grey, each decorated with tiled motifs in seating recesses for identification.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=169}} Some motifs were puns; the image for Brixton, for instance, was a ton of bricks.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=171}} During construction of the first stage of the [[Jubilee line]] in 1979, the motifs on [[Green Park tube station|Green Park station]] were replaced by others matching the design for the Jubilee line platforms.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=180}}

In late 2010 and 2011, platform humps were installed on all Victoria line stations except Pimlico to provide step-free access to trains.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tube Update Plan&nbsp;— Victoria |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/18092.aspx |publisher=Transport for London|access-date=6 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226141058/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/18092.aspx}}</ref> The project was in accordance with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010 and the [[Disability Discrimination Act 1995]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Line Platform Humps and RVAR |url=http://www.livis.co.uk/projects/victoria-line-platform-humps-and-rvar/ |publisher=Livis |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711144427/http://www.livis.co.uk/projects/victoria-line-platform-humps-and-rvar/ |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Line Platform Humps and RVAR |url=http://www.livis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Victoria-Line-Humps-RVAR.pdf |publisher=Livis |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711144947/http://www.livis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Victoria-Line-Humps-RVAR.pdf }}</ref> The Victoria line humps resemble the [[Harrington Hump]], a type of ramp being installed on some mainline stations, but are of a masonry construction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Creating Step Free Access for All |url=http://www.marshalls.co.uk/dam-svc/AssetStore/Creating-Step-Free-Access-for-All-5237.pdf |publisher=Marshalls |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711145316/http://www.marshalls.co.uk/dam-svc/AssetStore/Creating-Step-Free-Access-for-All-5237.pdf}}</ref>

==Service and rolling stock==
[[File:1967 Tube Stock at Holborn.jpg|thumb|left|The line's original [[London Underground 1967 Stock|1967 Stock]] was used until mid-2011. It is seen here at {{stl|LUL|Holborn}} on a farewell tour.|alt=1967 stock at Holborn]]
About 200{{nbsp}}million passengers a year use the Victoria line.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-45370362|title=London Underground's Victoria Line marks 50th birthday|work=BBC News|date=1 September 2018|access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref> It is the sixth-most heavily used line on the network in absolute figures, but in terms of the average number of journeys per mile it is by far the most intensively used.<ref name="passenger numbers">{{cite web|url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/Performance_Data_Store_P2_2012-13_Issued(1).xlsm|title=LU Performance Data Almanac|publisher=[[Transport for London]]|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803065342/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/Performance_Data_Store_P2_2012-13_Issued%281%29.xlsm|archive-date=3 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> From May 2017, trains run every 100{{nbsp}}seconds during peak periods, providing 36 trains per hour.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Dan Templeton |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/metros/new-victoria-line-timetable-increases-frequency/ |title=New Victoria Line timetable increases frequency |journal=International Railway Journal |date=26 May 2017 |access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref> All trains run from Brixton to Seven Sisters and some continue to Walthamstow Central.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.davros.org/rail/culg/victoria.html |title=Victoria Line – Services |work=Clive's Underground Line Guides |last=Feather |first=Clive |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=25 October 2018 |archive-date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025101237/https://www.davros.org/rail/culg/victoria.html}}</ref>
During off-peak periods, the Victoria line runs 27 trains per hour between Brixton and Walthamstow Central.<ref>{{cite web | title=Victoria line timetable | website=Transport for London | url=https://tfl.gov.uk/tube/timetable/victoria?FromId=940GZZLUBXN&fromText=Brixton+Underground+Station&toText=Oxford+Circus+Underground+Station&ToId=940GZZLUOXC&SelectedTime=11 | access-date=17 January 2025}}</ref>

When the line opened, services were operated by a fleet of {{frac|39|1|2}} eight-car trains of [[London Underground 1967 Stock|1967 Tube Stock trains]]. In the early planning stages, an articulated type of [[rolling stock]] was considered, but not progressed because of difficulties transferring the stock to Acton Works for heavy overhauls.{{sfn|Day|1969|p=81}} After Acton Works closed, this no longer applies. The [[London Underground 2009 Stock|2009 tube stock]] has a wider profile and slightly longer carriages which precludes it from running on other deep-level tube lines. The 1967 stock was supplemented by [[London Underground 1972 Stock|1972 Mark I Tube Stock]], transferred from the [[Northern line]] and converted to be compatible with the 1967 stock.{{sfn|Hardy|2002|pp=10,12}}

Replacement of the 1967 rolling stock began in July 2009.<ref name="TfL_transform">{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/18092.aspx |title=Tube Upgrade Plan: Victoria line |access-date=19 June 2011 |publisher=Transport for London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619101442/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/18092.aspx |archive-date=19 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-0876-1718|title=Information on Cooling the Tube – temperature monitoring|publisher=Transport for London|date=3 October 2017|access-date=23 October 2018}}</ref> The 2009 Tube Stock fleet of 47 eight-car trains was built by [[Bombardier Transportation]].<ref name="waboso">{{cite news |title=Transforming the tube |author=Waboso, David |work=Modern Railways |location=London |date=December 2010 |pages=42–45}}</ref> Testing the first prototypes began in 2008. The trains began to be introduced in 2009 and most were in operation by the following year. The last of the 1967 stock trains ran on 30 June 2011, after which the entire service was provided by 2009 stock.<ref name="rail20110811">{{cite news |title=Final 1960s stock withdrawn from Victoria Line |work=Rail |location =Peterborough |page=14 |date=10 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/wVpPWlFEhd0 |archive-date=11 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVpPWlFEhd0 |title=Londonist Ltd – Last 1967 Victoria Line Train |website=[[YouTube]] |date=3 July 2011 |access-date=23 October 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On opening, the line was equipped with a fixed-block [[Automatic train operation|Automatic Train Operation]] system (ATO). The train operator closed the train doors and pressed a pair of "start" buttons and, if the way ahead was clear, the ATO drives the train at a safe speed to the next station. At any point, the driver could switch to manual control if the ATO failed.<ref name=times19680902/> The system, which operated until 2012, made the Victoria line the world's first full-scale automatic railway.{{refn|Although the system was tested on the Tube on a smaller scale before that, initially on a short section of the [[District line]]; then a larger trial was carried out on the [[Central line (London Underground)|Central line]] between [[Woodford tube station|Woodford]] and [[Hainault tube station|Hainault]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Driverless metros poised to expand |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//driverless-metros-poised-to-expand.html |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |date=1 March 2000 |access-date=25 October 2007 |quote=These trials matured into 'attended ATO'. London's Victoria line was the first into revenue service on 1 September 1968, with Philadelphia's Lindenwold line close behind in January 1969. |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023234730/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/driverless-metros-poised-to-expand.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trainweb.org/tubeprune/Victoria%20Line%20ATO.htm |title=Automatic Train Operation on the Victoria Line |work=The Tube Professionals' Rumour Network |access-date=6 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite hansard |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199798/ldhansrd/vo980225/text/80225-09.htm |title=House of Lords Hansard for 25 Feb 1998 (pt 9) |house=House of Lords |column=747 |date=25 February 1998}}</ref>|group=note}}

The Victoria line runs faster trains than other Underground lines because it has fewer stops, ATO running and modern design.{{sfn|Martin|2012|p=236}}{{sfn|HMSO|1959|p=12}} Train speeds can reach up to {{convert|50|mph}}. A common method used by north London residents to visit the West End is to take the Northern line Bank branch, change platforms at Euston, and continue on faster Victoria line trains.<ref name=victoriacut/>{{sfn|Martin|2012|p=236}} In the 2010s, the original signalling was replaced with a more modern ATO system from [[Westinghouse Rail Systems]] incorporating 'Distance to Go Radio' and more than 400 track circuits. London Underground claimed it was the world's first ATO-on-ATO upgrade.<ref name=TfL_transform/><ref name="waboso"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/victoria-line-heads-metronet-renewal.html|title=Victoria line heads Metronet renewal|work=Railway Gazette|date=1 August 2003|access-date=24 August 2018|archive-date=24 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724213618/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/victoria-line-heads-metronet-renewal.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new signalling system allowed a revised timetable to be introduced in February 2013, allowing up to 33 trains per hour instead of 27.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/27143.aspx |title= Victoria line customers have most intensive train service in the country |publisher= Transport for London |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=23 October 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214122134/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/27143.aspx |archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref> In combination with new, faster trains, the line's capacity increased by 21%, equivalent to an extra 10,000 passengers per hour.<ref name=TfL_transform/><ref name="rail20110811"/> By 2019, the line was running around 36 trains per hour at peak times, with a train arriving every 100{{nbsp}}seconds – making it one of the most frequent rapid transit lines in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Dick Murray, Ben |date=30 May 2019 |title=Queues slashed as Victoria line trains begin running every 100 seconds |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/victoria-line-trains-now-run-every-100-seconds-making-it-the-second-most-frequent-line-in-the-world-a3544946.html |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref>

==Facilities==
=== Step-free access ===
[[File:Step-free access notification (Victoria line).png|thumb|right|Notice explaining about step-free access. This can be found inside every Victoria line train.|alt=(Wheelchair symbol) and the text: Stations with step-free access from the Victoria line platforms to the street are shown with this symbol.]]
When the line was built, budgetary restrictions meant that station infrastructure standards were lower than on older lines and on later extension projects.{{sfn|Martin|2012|p=235}} Examples include narrower than usual platforms and undecorated ceilings at Walthamstow Central, [[Blackhorse Road station|Blackhorse Road]] and Tottenham Hale, affecting lighting levels.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Victoria Line |magazine=Railway Magazine|year=1969|volume=115|page=246}}</ref> The line was built with fewer escalators than other lines as a cost-saving measure.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.citymetric.com/transport/i-m-very-worried-crossrail-doesn-t-have-enough-escalators-3359|title=I'm very worried that Crossrail doesn't have enough escalators|work=CityMetric|date=27 September 2017|access-date=14 September 2018|archive-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914132235/https://www.citymetric.com/transport/i-m-very-worried-crossrail-doesn-t-have-enough-escalators-3359|url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of a third escalator linking station entrances to platforms at some stations can cause severe congestion at peak times.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/davehillblog/2010/mar/15/transport-for-london-underground-escalators-switched-off-energy-financial-savings|title=Transport for London: escalating issues|first=Dave|last=Hill|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 March 2010|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> Stations have closed temporarily for safety reasons when escalators have been unserviceable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/victoria-cld-stickers-archive.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/victoria-cld-stickers-archive.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2022 |url-status=live|title=Highbury & Islington closed for escalator repairs|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=17 September 2018}}</ref>

Step-free routes are available between the Victoria line and other lines at most interchanges.<ref name=tubemap/> [[Tottenham Hale station|Tottenham Hale]], [[Finsbury Park station|Finsbury Park]], [[King's Cross St Pancras tube station|King's Cross St Pancras]], Green Park, Victoria, Vauxhall and [[Brixton tube station|Brixton]] have step-free access from street to train.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/january/finsbury-park-tube-station-becomes-step-free#:~:text=Finsbury%20Park%20is%20one%20of,thousands%20of%20customers%20every%20day.%22|title=Finsbury Park Tube station becomes step-free|work=Transport for London|date=28 January 2019|access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref><ref name=tubemap>{{cite map/Standard Tube Map}}</ref><ref>{{citation step free tube map}}</ref><ref>{{citation Avoiding stairs Tube guide}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2014/december/-36m-upgrade-of-vauxhall-tube-station-reaches-half-way|title=£36m upgrade of Vauxhall Tube station reaches half way|date=18 December 2014|access-date=11 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711142428/https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2014/december/-36m-upgrade-of-vauxhall-tube-station-reaches-half-way|archive-date=11 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/victoria |title=Victoria |work=Improvements and Projects |publisher=[[Transport for London]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711141847/https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/victoria |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> Platform humps have been installed at all stations (except Pimlico) to provide level access to trains, improving access for customers with mobility impairments, luggage or pushchairs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/tube-improvements/what-we-ve-done |title=Victoria line |work=What We've Done |publisher= [[Transport for London]] |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711143215/https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/tube-improvements/what-we-ve-done |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Ventilation===
[[File:Heron Island Vic Line shaft.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Ferry Lane fan shaft and emergency access point at Heron Island, approximately halfway between {{stn|Blackhorse Road}} and {{stn|Tottenham Hale}} stations|alt=The aboveground Ferry Lane fan shaft building and emergency access point at Heron Island, approximately halfway between Blackhorse Road and Tottenham Hale stations]]
About 50 ventilation shafts were constructed during the construction phase.<ref>{{cite report |chapter-url=https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/pdf/10.1680/iicep.1966.8978|chapter=Discussion on Paper No. 6845 |title=Victoria Line: experimentation, design, programming, and early progress |first1=C. E. |last1=Dunton |first2=J. |last2=Kell |first3=H. D. |last3=Morgan |work=ICE Proceedings |volume=34 |issue=3 |date=1 June 1966 |page=459 |issn=1753-7789 |publisher=[[Institution of Civil Engineers]]|doi=10.1680/iicep.1966.8978 }}</ref> Midpoint tunnel ventilation shafts remain between stations. Special "local arrangements" are in place should it be necessary to evacuate passengers from trains via Netherton Road emergency escape shaft.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://7julyinquests.independent.gov.uk/evidence/docs/TFL43-1.pdf |series=Tc100 |issue=2 |date=28 April 2002 |page=1 |title=Detrainment of Passengers |author=London Underground |journal=Standards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825152609/http://7julyinquests.independent.gov.uk/evidence/docs/TFL43-1.pdf|archive-date=25 August 2011|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref> Planning permission for a shaft at Ferry Lane, next to Tottenham Hale station, was granted on 11 January 1968, during the first phase of construction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=57126 |title=OLD/1968/0211 |date=11 January 1968 |quote=Land At Ferry Lane: Construction of new fan house form Victoria Line. |access-date=1 August 2013 |work=Online Planning Services |publisher=Haringey Council |archive-date=4 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904093443/http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=57126 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

By mid-2009, trial [[boreholes]] for a cooling system at Green Park station had been drilled and more were scheduled to be created by the end of 2009.<ref name="lul-md-report-2009q1"/> In 2010, ''[[Engineering & Technology]]'' reported that {{convert|200|L|impgal|}} of water per second for the cooling system was being pumped through heat-exchangers at Victoria station from the [[River Tyburn]] and into the River Thames.<ref name="douglas-2010">{{cite journal |url=https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2010/07/air-conditioning-of-london-underground-reality-or-dream/ |volume=5 |issue=10 |title=Air-conditioning of London Underground&nbsp;— reality or dream? |date=2 July 2010 |first=Lawrie |last=Douglas |journal=[[Engineering & Technology]] |access-date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live |archive-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025120614/https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2010/07/air-conditioning-of-london-underground-reality-or-dream/}}</ref>

Between 2009 and 2014, thirteen ventilation shafts were refurbished. In the first phase were Drayton Park, Gillingham Street, Moreton Terrace, Pulross Road, Somerleyton Road and Tynemouth Road.<ref name="klettner"/> For the second phase were Cobourg Street, Dover Street, Gibson Square, Great Titchfield Street, Isledon Road, Kings Cross, Palace Street and Rita Road.<ref name="klettner">{{cite news|url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/underground-keeps-its-cool-24-01-2008/|title=Underground keeps its cool|date=24 January 2008|time=Andrea|last=Klettner|work=Construction News|access-date=11 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120054410/https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/underground-keeps-its-cool-24-01-2008/ |archive-date=20 November 2018 }}</ref>

By 2009, changes at Cobourg Street were in the planning stage and demolition at Moreton Terrace, Somerleyton Road and Drayton Park shafts had taken place.<ref name="lul-md-report-2009q1">{{cite report |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/04a-LU-MD-Report.pdf|work=Managing Director's Report&nbsp;– London Underground |date=20 May 2009 |editor-first=Richard |editor-last=Parry |title=Performance Report to the Rail and Underground Panel |issue=Period 13 2008/09, ended 31 March 2009 |author=London Underground Limited |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=12 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801071258/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/04a-LU-MD-Report.pdf |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Planning permission for Netherton Road shaft was granted on 8 September 1967.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Haringey Council |url=http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=76720 |title=OLD/1967/0517 |quote=Construction of new ventilation shaft and emergency staircase for Victoria Line. |date=8 September 1967 |access-date=1 August 2013 |work=Online Planning Services |archive-date=4 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904093443/http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=76720 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 31 March, the demolition and rebuilding of Netherton Road shaft was allowed as [[permitted development]].<ref>{{cite report |chapter-url=http://www.haringey.gov.uk/mar_09_-_apps_decided_for_web.pdf |work=Planning Applications Decided |chapter=01/03/2009 to 31/03/2009 |date=6 April 2004 |access-date=21 June 2012 |title=HGY/2009/0151: LUL Mid-Tunnel Vent Shaft, Netherton Road N15 |quote=Demolition and rebuilding of existing headhouse in order to upgrade existing cooling system to Victoria Line. |publisher=Haringey Council |author=Urban Environment Directorate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025014722/http://www.haringey.gov.uk/mar_09_-_apps_decided_for_web.pdf |archive-date=25 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Haringey Council |work=Online Planning Services |url=http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=195064 |title=HGY/2009/0151 |quote=Demolition and rebuilding of existing headhouse in order to upgrade existing cooling system to Victoria Line. |date=31 March 2009 |access-date=1 August 2013 |archive-date=4 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904093443/http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=195064 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Depot==
[[File:09NPKDT.jpg|thumb|[[London Underground 2009 Stock|2009 tube stock]] at the Victoria line's Northumberland Park Depot|alt=Two Victoria line trains sitting in sidings]]
The depot at [[Northumberland Park, London|Northumberland Park]], the service and storage area for trains, is the only part of the Victoria line above ground. Trains access the depot via a branch line in a tunnel to the north of [[Seven Sisters station|Seven Sisters]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railwayoperators.co.uk/whats-on/title/visit-to-northumberland-park/ |title=Visit to Northumberland Park Depot |publisher=Institution of Railway Operators |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040230/http://www.railwayoperators.co.uk/whats-on/title/visit-to-northumberland-park/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The depot opened with the first stage of the line in September 1968. It is next to [[Northumberland Park railway station]], on [[Tottenham Marshes]] in the [[London Borough of Haringey]], over a mile from the Victoria line. When built, it was {{convert|900|ft}} long and had working space for 22 eight-car trains.{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=167}} As part of Transport for London's tube upgrade scheme, the depot has been expanded and upgraded to accommodate all the 2009 Tube Stock trains<ref name="waboso 2">{{cite news |title=Transforming the tube |author=Waboso, David |work=Modern Railways |location=London |date=December 2010 |pages=43–44}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/london/|title=London Underground Major Regeneration Scheme|publisher=Railway Technology|access-date=13 September 2018}}</ref> and a new signalling system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Line renaissance |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/victoria-line-renaissance/ |website=Rail Engineer |access-date=9 March 2025}}</ref>

==Future==
[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.]] and its supporters have campaigned for a surface station next to Northumberland Park Station, adjacent to the depot to improve the stadium's transport links. The plans would require co-operation with the local council and [[Network Rail]] to minimise disruption.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2862557.stm|title=Mayor's support for Tube extension|work=BBC News|date=19 March 2003|access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025121149/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2862557.stm |archive-date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tottenham.london/sites/default/files/appendix_d_station_improvements_white_hart_lane_and_northumberland_park_pdf_4.4mb.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027185752/https://tottenham.london/sites/default/files/appendix_d_station_improvements_white_hart_lane_and_northumberland_park_pdf_4.4mb.pdf |archive-date=27 October 2018 |url-status=usurped|title=Appendix D : Station Improvements – White Hart Lane and Northumberland Park|publisher=Landolt & Brown|pages=15,18|date=15 August 2013|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> It was announced by Haringey Council in its 2012 ''A Plan for Tottenham'' report that there was "potential for a Victoria Line extension to Northumberland Park".<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.haringey.gov.uk/a_plan_for_tottenham.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.haringey.gov.uk/a_plan_for_tottenham.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=A Plan for Tottenham |date=26 July 2012|access-date=2 August 2012|publisher=Haringey Council |first1=Alan |last1=Strickland |first2=Claire |last2=Kober |first3=Bernice |last3=Vanier |first4=Stuart |last4=Lipton |first5=David |last5=Lammy |author-link5=David Lammy |first6=Fiona |last6=Fletcher-Smith |first7=Paul |last7=Head |first8=Andrew |last8=Campling |first9=Tony |last9=Travers |first10=Brian |last10=Boylan |first11=Matthew |last11=Girt |page=19 |quote=potential for a Victoria Line extension to Northumberland Park}}</ref>

[[Crossrail 2]], also known as the Chelsea-Hackney line, is a proposed line across central London between Victoria and King's Cross St Pancras tube station to increase capacity in Central London by 270,000 passengers per day. It is intended to relieve congestion on the Victoria line, a key line connecting several important London termini.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/crossrail2/october2015/user_uploads/s9.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208003843/https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/crossrail2/october2015/user_uploads/s9.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=live|title=Crossrail 2 factsheet: Victoria station – TfL Consultation|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/our-railway-upgrade-plan/key-projects/crossrail-2/|title=The proposed Crossrail 2 project would add capacity and reduce rail journey times between south west and north east London|work=Network Rail|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref>

Proposals have been made to extend the line one stop southwards from Brixton to [[Herne Hill railway station|Herne Hill]], a significant interchange in south London providing access to Kent, {{rws|Blackfriars}}, {{rws|London Bridge}} and {{rws|Sutton|London}}. Herne Hill would be on a large [[Balloon loop|reversing loop]] with a single platform removing a critical capacity restriction eliminating the need for trains to reverse at Brixton and provide a more obvious route for passengers who look for the nearest tube station before any other transport options.<ref>{{cite web|title=Unlocking Herne Hill and the Kent route to the City|url=http://www.londonreconnections.com/2012/unlocking-herne-hill-and-the-kent-route-to-the-city-2/|publisher=London Reconnections|access-date=4 January 2015|date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://crossrail2.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Crossrail-2-2014-Consultation-Analysis.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://crossrail2.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Crossrail-2-2014-Consultation-Analysis.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2022 |url-status=live|title=Crossrail 2 – 2014 Consultation Analysis|publisher=Crossrail 2|page=143|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref>

==Map==
[[File:Victoria Line.svg|550px|center|Geographically accurate path of the Victoria line]]

==Stations==
{{Victoria Line RDT}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Station !! Image !! Opened !! {{nowrap|Victoria line}} {{nowrap|service began}} !! Interchanges !! Position
|-
|[[Walthamstow Central station|Walthamstow Central]] {{Rail-interchange|london|overground}} || [[File:Walthamstow Central stn new entrance.JPG|100px]] || 26 April 1870{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=121}}{{efn|Opened as Hoe Street, renamed when Victoria Line opened on 1 September 1968.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pond |first=Chris |title=The Chingford Line |publisher=Vestry House Museum |year=1975 |isbn=0-85480-027-1 |location=Walthamstow |pages=17 |language=EN}}</ref>}} || rowspan="6" | 1 September 1968 ||
[[Weaver line]]
||{{Coord|51|34|59|N|000|01|11|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=01 - Walthamstow Central station}}
|-
|[[Blackhorse Road station|Blackhorse Road]] {{Rail-interchange|london|overground}} || [[File:Blackhorse Road stn building.JPG|100px]] || 19 July 1894{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=36}} || [[Suffragette line]]
||{{Coord|51|35|13|N|000|02|29|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=02 - Blackhorse Road station}}
|-
|[[Tottenham Hale station|Tottenham Hale]] {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{Access icon}} || [[File:Tottenham Hale station 070414.JPG|100px]] || 15 September 1840{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=232}}{{efn|Opened as Tottenham, renamed on 1 December 1968.{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=232}}}} ||
[[National Rail]]
||{{Coord|51|35|18|N|000|03|35|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=03 - Tottenham Hale station}}
|-
|[[Seven Sisters station|Seven Sisters]] {{Rail-interchange|london|overground}} {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{efn|Seven Sisters is the only station with more than 2 platforms. The third is a holding platform for trains that terminate their journeys from Brixton at Seven Sisters instead of at Walthamstow. The third platform allows access to the Northumberland Park depot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.londonreconnections.com/2012/the-secret-life-of-seven-sisters/|title=The Secret Life of Seven Sisters|publisher=London Reconnections|access-date=23 October 2018|date=20 June 2012}}</ref>}} || [[File:Seven Sisters ground level entrance.JPG|100px]] || 22 July 1872{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=209}} ||
[[Weaver line]] and National Rail
||{{Coord|51|34|56|N|000|04|31|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=04 - Seven Sisters station}}
|-
|[[Finsbury Park station|Finsbury Park]] {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rint|London|thameslink}} {{Access icon}} || [[File:Finsbury Park tube stn entrance Station Place.JPG|100px]] || 1 July 1861{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=208}}{{efn|Opened as Seven Sisters Road (Holloway), renamed 15 November 1869.{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=208}}}} ||
[[Piccadilly line]] ({{abbr|CPI|cross-platform interchange}}){{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=167}} and National Rail
||{{Coord|51|33|53|N|000|06|23|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=05 - Finsbury Park station}}
|-
|[[Highbury & Islington station|Highbury & Islington]] {{Rail-interchange|london|overground}} {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} || [[File:Highbury & Islington station building.JPG|100px]] || 26 September 1850{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=128}}||
[[Mildmay line]], [[Windrush line]] and National Rail ({{abbr|CPI|cross-platform interchange}}){{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|pp=166–167}}
||{{Coord|51|32|45|N|000|06|18|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=06 - Highbury & Islington station}}
|-
|[[King's Cross St Pancras tube station|King's Cross St Pancras]] {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rail-interchange|eurostar|}} {{rint|London|thameslink}} {{Access icon}} || [[File:KXSP 2006-05-30 07.jpg|100px]] || 10 January 1863{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=134}} || rowspan="3" | 1 December 1968 ||
[[Circle line (London Underground)|Circle]], [[Hammersmith & City line|Hammersmith & City]], [[Metropolitan line|Metropolitan]], [[Northern line|Northern]] and Piccadilly lines; National Rail and [[Eurostar]]
||{{Coord|51|31|49|N|000|07|27|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=07 - King's Cross St Pancras tube station}}
|-
|[[Euston tube station|Euston]] {{Rail-interchange|london|overground}} {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} || [[File:Euston station facade.jpg|100px]] || 12 May 1907{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=92}} ||
Northern line ({{abbr|CPI|cross-platform interchange}} with Bank branch),{{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=168}} [[Lioness line]] and National Rail
||{{Coord|51|31|42|N|000|07|59|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=08 - Euston tube station}}
|-
|[[Warren Street tube station|Warren Street]] || [[File:Warren Street stn entrance.JPG|100px]] || 22 June 1907{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=92}} ||
Northern line
||{{Coord|51|31|29|N|000|08|18|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=09 - Warren Street tube station}}
|-
|[[Oxford Circus tube station|Oxford Circus]] || [[File:Oxford Circus stn Bakerloo building.jpg|100px]] || 30 July 1900{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=179}} || rowspan="3" | 7 March 1969 ||
[[Bakerloo line|Bakerloo]] ({{abbr|CPI|cross-platform interchange}}){{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=168}} and [[Central line (London Underground)|Central]] lines
|| {{Coord|51|30|55|N|000|08|30|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=10 - Oxford Circus tube station}}
|-
|[[Green Park tube station|Green Park]] {{Access icon}} || [[File:Green Park stn building.JPG|100px]] || 15 December 1906{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=81}} ||
Piccadilly and [[Jubilee line|Jubilee]] lines
||{{Coord|51|30|24|N|000|08|34|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=11 - Green Park tube station}}
|-
|[[London Victoria station|Victoria]] {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} ({{Rail-interchange|air}} <small>Trains to [[Gatwick Airport|Gatwick]]</small>) {{Access icon}}  || [[File:Victoria tube antrance.jpg|100px]] || 1 October 1860{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=238}} ||
Circle and [[District line|District]] lines and National Rail
||{{Coord|51|29|48|N|000|08|41|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=12 - London Victoria station}}
|-
|[[Pimlico tube station|Pimlico]] || [[File:PimlicoStation.jpg|100px]] || colspan="2" | 14 September 1972{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=185}} || {{n/a}}
||{{Coord|51|29|22|N|000|08|00|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=13 - Pimlico tube station}}
|-
|[[Vauxhall station|Vauxhall]] {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{Access icon}} || [[File:Vauxhall Railway Station - geograph.org.uk - 725651.jpg|100x100px]] || 11 July 1848{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=238}} || rowspan="3" | 23 July 1971 ||
National Rail, [[London River Services]] ([[St George Wharf Pier]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thamesclippers.com/assets/doc/Online-Timetable-June-2018-fc0756fde6.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914203337/https://www.thamesclippers.com/assets/doc/Online-Timetable-June-2018-fc0756fde6.pdf |archive-date=14 September 2018 |url-status=live|title=MBNA Thames Clippers Timetable|date=21 May 2018|issue=June 2018|access-date=14 September 2018|format=Timetable}}</ref>
||{{Coord|51|29|07|N|000|07|22|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=14 - Vauxhall station}}
|-
|[[Stockwell tube station|Stockwell]] || [[File:StockwellTube.jpg|100px]] || 4 November 1890{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=220}} || 
Northern line ({{abbr|CPI|cross-platform interchange}}){{sfn|Day|Reed|2010|p=171}}
|| {{Coord|51|28|21|N|000|07|20|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=15 - Stockwell tube station}}
|-
|[[Brixton tube station|Brixton]] {{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{Access icon}} || [[File:Brixton tube station entrance.JPG|100px]] || 23 July 1971{{sfn|Butt|1995|p=45}} ||
National Rail (within a {{convert|100|m|foot}} walking distance)
|| {{Coord|51|27|45|N|000|06|54|W|region:GB_type:railwaystation|name=16 - Brixton tube station}}
|}
{{notelist}}

==See also==
{{Portal|London transport}}
*[[List of crossings of the River Thames]]
*[[Tunnels underneath the River Thames]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist|group=note}}

===Citations===
{{clear}}
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
{{refbegin}}
* {{butt-stations}}
* {{cite book|last1=Day|first1=John R|last2=Reed|first2=John|year=2010|orig-year=1963|title=The Story of London's Underground|publisher=Capital Transport|isbn=978-1-85414-341-9}}
* {{cite book|title=The Story of the Victoria Line |first=John R. |last=Day |publisher=[[London Transport Board|London Transport]] |year=1969 |location=Westminster |id=968/2719 RP/5M }}
* {{cite book |last=Hardy |first=Brian |title=London Underground Rolling Stock |edition=15th |year=2002 |orig-year=1976 |publisher=Capital Transport |location=Harrow Weald |isbn=978-1-85414-263-4 }}
* {{cite book |title=The Victoria Line: A short history |year=1988 |first=M.A.C. |last= Horne |publisher=Douglas Rose |location =London |isbn= 978-1-870354-02-8}}
* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b409AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA123 |title=London's lost railways |last=Klapper|first=Charles |publisher =Routledge & Kegan Paul |location =London |year=1976 |oclc=487714609|isbn=9780710083784 }}
* {{cite book |last=Martin|first=Andrew|title=Underground, Overground|publisher=Profile Books|year=2012|isbn=978-1-846-68478-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Wolmar|first=Christian|title=The Subterranean Railway|publisher=Atlantic Books|year=2012|orig-year=2004|isbn=978-0-857-89069-6}}
* {{cite book |title=The Victoria Line : Report by the London Travel Committee to the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation|publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office|year=1959|url=https://archive.org/details/op1265392-1001|ref={{harvid|HMSO|1959}}}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Victoria line}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
*{{Official website}}
*{{YouTube|lN0mh2dnyrg|"Victoria Line: Report Number One"}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.britishpathe.com/video/queen-opens-new-victoria-line|title=Opening of the Victoria Line|publisher=British Pathe|access-date=22 January 2013}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/40|title=BCV (Bakerloo, Central & Victoria) Upgrade|date=8 September 2006|publisher=Alwaystouchout.com|access-date=11 July 2008|archive-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620024553/http://alwaystouchout.com/project/40|url-status=dead}}
* [https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/collections/collections-online/photographs/ London Transport Museum Poster Archive]&nbsp;– images of the station tiling motifs:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-15709|Brixton, 1981}}
*{{LTM archive|2003-7033|Stockwell, 1971}}
*{{LTM archive|1998-54960|Vauxhall, 1971}}
*{{LTM archive|2003-3928|Pimlico, 1971}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-17071|Victoria, 1981}}
*{{LTM archive|2007-10377|Green Park, 1969 (Original version)}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-15384|Green Park, 1992 (2nd version)}}
*{{LTM archive|2005-19307|Oxford Circus, 1969 (Original version)}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-16637|Oxford Circus, 1992 (2nd version)}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-19181|Warren Street, 1980}}
*{{LTM archive|1998-51785|Euston, 1968}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-15535|King's Cross St Pancras, 1984}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-16213|Highbury & Islington, 1992}}
*{{LTM archive|2001-15390|Finsbury Park, 1988}}
*{{LTM archive|2007-7928|Seven Sisters, 1969}}
*{{LTM archive|1998-64168|Tottenham Hale, 1969}}
*{{LTM archive|2002-12732|Blackhorse Road, 1969}}
*{{LTM archive|1998-54909|Walthamstow Central, 1968}}
{{div col end}}

{{ThamesCrossings | west=[[Grosvenor Bridge]] | east=[[Vauxhall Bridge]] }}
{{Victoria line navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Victoria line}}
[[Category:London Underground lines]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1968]]
[[Category:Transport in the London Borough of Lambeth]]
[[Category:Transport in the City of Westminster]]
[[Category:Transport in the London Borough of Camden]]
[[Category:Transport in the London Borough of Islington]]
[[Category:Transport in the London Borough of Haringey]]
[[Category:Transport in the London Borough of Waltham Forest]]
[[Category:Tunnels underneath the River Thames]]
[[Category:Automatic London Underground lines]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in London]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in England]]