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Published: 13th October 2014
Designs for 250 London Underground (LU) trains have been unveiled as part of an upgrade which could cost about £16bn.
The trains will be installed on the Piccadilly, Central, Waterloo & City and Bakerloo lines from the mid-2020s.
They will have walk-through carriages similar to the new Metropolitan, District and Circle line trains. Plus sleek interiors, air conditioning, digital screens to enable live updates, wider doors to facilitate quicker turnaround times at stations and increased capacity.
According to the designers, the palette of colors including charcoal, warm grey and oxblood were derived from looking at heritage and contemporary architecture and landmarks in London.
However, the RMT union said it was “deeply concerned” the trains will have the capacity to be driverless. LU said they would initially be operated.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said the new “innovative, eye-catching and sleek” trains would will be crucial for the continued overhaul of London Underground.
“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,” he added.
But a spokesman for transport union Aslef described Johnson’s estimation of having driverless trains in London by the mid-2020s as “fantasy,” accusing the Mayor of making politically motivated promises he couldn’t keep.
Designs for the train were unveiled to the public at The New Tube for London exhibition, which kicked off on Thursday. The exhibition is set to continue until November 16.
