Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled plans to introduce “driverless” tube trains to the London Underground from the mid-2020s.
The “New Tube” will be introduced first on the Piccadilly line, followed by the Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City lines. The 250 automatic trains along with improved signalling will provide sufficient capacity for the population of London, which is expected to grow to 10 million by 2030.
The changes will bring 25% more capacity to the Central and Bakerloo lines, 50% more capacity to the Waterloo & City line, and 60% more capacity to the Piccadilly line.
The trains will be “air cooled” and feature walk-through carriages, air-cooling technology and video screens displaying journey information and advertising. TfL says that they will also be designed for “fully automatic operation”, but amde it clear that operators would initially be on board and that full automation would only be implemented after future discussions with commuters and staff members.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, commented:
“These innovative, eye-catching and sleek new trains will be vital for the continued modernisation of London Underground. From Greenford to Gants Hill, from Alperton to Arnos Grove, they will ferry millions of people across our city, more comfortably, reliably and stylishly than ever before. The New Tube marks a significant step forward in giving Londoners and visitors the accessible and modern transport service that they expect and deserve.These beautiful, air-cooled machines represent the best of British design and innovation. They will help to keep London and its economy moving in the right direction.”
