Transport for London and Siemens Mobility have unveiled details of the new Tube trains which will operate on the Piccadilly Line from 2025.
The ‘Inspiro London’ trains will feature air conditioning, walk-through carriages and wider doors, with 94 new trainsets set to replace the current Piccadilly line fleet which dates back to the 1970s.
The withdrawal of the older fleet from service will mean that from mid-2027 the frequency of trains at peak hours on the line will rise from 24 to 27 trains per hour – a 23 per cent increase in peak service capacity. The interior layout of the new trains means they will also offer 10 per cent more capacity.
Siemens Mobility said that the new trains would be “significantly lighter than existing designs”, increasing energy efficiency and reducing damage to tracks.
The Piccadilly Line stretches from Heathrow and Uxbridge in the west of London, to Cockfosters in the north.
TfL said that it was moving ahead with the replacement of the fleet “Despite the devastating impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on its finances”, while The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, commented:
“These much-needed new trains will be a great step forward for our city, improving frequency, reliability and capacity on the Piccadilly line. The continued modernisation of the Tube – which has seen a transformation over the last two decades – is a key part of my Transport Strategy to make London a greener, more affordable, more accessible place.
“But we need investment to continue this work. I will keep lobbying the Government to deliver a long-term, viable funding model for TfL, which would enable us to carry out more upgrades to the network’s ageing infrastructure, boost our economy and deliver a green recovery for London and the wider country.”
TfL also said that plans for new Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City line trains remain ‘shovel ready’ and “could quickly be progressed were a long-term funding deal agreed with Government”.
“TfL is uniquely placed to help drive a strong and resilient future for London in line with Government’s clear direction for a more efficient, productive and sustainable city – but it is dependent on investment to achieve this,” said the transport body.
“As part of its Financial Sustainability Plan, which it is currently discussing with Government, TfL is requesting £1.6bn in capital funding per year between 2023 and 2030, to support a new funding model less reliant on fares income.
“This capital funding would deliver improvements such as state-of-the-art trains and signalling – the single biggest contributor to achieving the Mayor’s target for 80 per cent of journeys to be made by public transport, walking and cycling – and supporting the Mayor’s ambition for London to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
