New Tube for London Plans Released
Image Courtesy of Transport for London
A Single Design
We are creating a blueprint for a single train design that will be rolled out across the Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines, allowing us to create more efficient procurement and long-term maintenance procedures.
250 New Tube Trains
Around two-thirds of our lines are currently being or have been upgraded. We also have a programme of work under way to increase frequencies on upgraded lines even further.
More Reliable Service
As part of our ongoing investment in the Underground network and to meet the needs of London’s rapidly growing population, we are continuing to invest in and improve our services.
By introducing new modern signalling systems and new trains on the Bakerloo, Central, Piccadilly and Waterloo & City lines, delays due to signal and train failures will be reduced.
Additionally, over the course of time we will also be introducing platform edge doors where possible (as used on the Jubilee line), helping to ensure customer safety and reducing delays due to litter and other obstructions on the tracks.
Meeting London’s Growing Demand
London’s population is set to increase from 8.4 million today to around 10 million by 2030. The new modern signalling systems and new trains we’re introducing will increase capacity to help us meet this challenge.
Central line
25% more capacity (the equivalent of up to 12,000 customers per hour)
Bakerloo line
25% more capacity (the equivalent of up to 8,000 customers per hour)
Waterloo & City line
50% more capacity (the equivalent of up to 9,000 customers per hour)
Piccadilly line
60% more capacity (the equivalent of up to 19,000 customers per hour)
The Piccadilly line currently serves 210 million customers a year and demand is expected to grow 20% by 2020. The Piccadilly line has therefore been prioritised as the first of the four lines to benefit from the new trains and signalling system.
A Train for 2020s-2060s and Beyond
We are making sure our trains will be future-proof as they’ll start to be rolled out by the mid 2020s and will last for at least 40 years. Because of this, new trains will have:
- Increased capacity to meet the increased demand
- Air-cooling to help with the temperatures on the Tube lines that are deep underground
- The capability for use in fully automated mode in the future
Air Cooling on Deep-Level Lines
The trains will be designed and built to be capable of fully automatic operation. When the trains first enter service, they will have an operator on board. We would only consider implementing full automation following extensive engagement with our customers, stakeholders, staff and trade unions.
We are committed to having a fully-staffed Tube network, on hand to assist customers and ensure safe operations. Given our existing train fleets, all drivers currently working at London Underground will be able to continue to drive trains for the remainder of their careers.
The New Tube for London train design will feature air-cooled carriages as part of a more energy-efficient system to manage tunnel temperatures.
