Otis to Modernise 172 Escalators Across the London Underground in Major Infrastructure Upgrade

A landmark Transport for London contract reinforces Otis’ century long role in keeping one of the world’s busiest transit networks moving safely and efficiently

Otis, the global leader in elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, and servicing, has been selected by Transport for London to deliver a large scale escalator service and modernization programe across the London Underground network. The initiative will cover 172 escalators and represents a significant investment in the long term safety, reliability, and performance of one of the world’s most complex urban transport systems.

The new contract will take effect from April 2026 and will increase the total number of escalators serviced by Otis across the Underground to more than 300. The expansion further strengthens the company’s deep rooted relationship with London’s transport infrastructure and highlights its expertise in managing essential public systems that operate under intense daily demand.

Otis has been part of London’s transport story for more than a century. The company installed the first passenger escalators on the London Underground at Earl’s Court station in 1911, a milestone that transformed how passengers navigated underground rail stations. Today, that legacy continues across modern lines such as the Elizabeth line, where Otis equipment and technicians support close to 800,000 passenger journeys every day.

Under the new program, Otis teams will maintain, refurbish, and where necessary fully replace escalators that have reached the end of their operational life. The work is critical for a network where escalators operate for up to 20 hours a day, enabling more than 1.2 billion passenger journeys annually on the London Underground. Any disruption to vertical mobility systems has a direct impact on safety, accessibility, and commuter confidence.

Aleš Korotvička, Vice President and General Manager at Otis UK and Nordics, said the company understands the responsibility that comes with maintaining infrastructure relied upon by millions of people every day. He noted that Otis’ long experience in complex transit environments allows it to deliver innovation, reliability, and safety at scale, ensuring London’s transport network continues to function smoothly well into the future.

Escalator modernization plays a crucial role in sustaining ageing infrastructure while meeting modern performance expectations. Upgraded components reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall reliability. New safety technologies ensure compliance with current regulations and enhance passenger protection. Energy efficient systems help lower power consumption, supporting environmental goals and reducing operating costs for transport authorities.

Modernization also extends the service life of existing escalators, allowing Transport for London to optimize investment while managing long term costs. For passengers, the benefits are immediately visible. Refurbished escalators offer smoother and quieter operation, improved comfort, and better accessibility for elderly travelers, families, and people with reduced mobility.

A key feature of the upgrade programe is future readiness. Modernized escalators are designed to integrate with connected technologies that enable real time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These capabilities allow potential issues to be identified early, reducing service interruptions and improving response times in a city where reliability is essential.

For Transport for London, the programe forms part of an ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and dependable transport system as passenger numbers continue to grow. Escalator performance is as critical as trains and signaling when it comes to keeping the Underground moving efficiently.
For Otis, the contract reinforces its position as a global leader in vertical transportation. The company moves 2.4 billion people each day and maintains approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide, the largest service portfolio in the industry. Headquartered in the United States, Otis employs 72,000 people across more than 200 countries and territories.

As London continues to evolve, Otis’ innovation and expertise will remain an integral part of the city’s daily rhythm, ensuring that millions of journeys beneath its streets are safe, seamless, and dependable for decades to come.