• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • COMMENT
  • CONTACT
  • Twitter

LU invites bids to build next generation of cooler, walk-through Tube trains

February 28, 2014 - Martin Hoscik@martinhoscik

Boris Johnson says the new trains will be more reliable, cooler and more reliable.
Boris Johnson says the new trains will be more reliable, cooler and more reliable.
London Underground has launched the procurement process for 250 ‘next generation’ Tube trains for the Bakerloo, Central, Piccadilly and Waterloo & City lines.

The trains will be “capable of full automation” meaning they could operate without a traditional driver, feature walk-through carriages as already seen on the London Overground and Metropolitan line and air-cooling.

LU claims the trains will enable “more frequent and reliable services”, allowing it to meet rising demand while making journeys more comfortable for passengers.


A notice has been placed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) seeking expressions of interest and a formal Invitation to Tender is expected to be issued next year.
 
Announcing the start of the tender process, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This vital modernisation of our trains and signalling will ensure an even more comfortable, frequent and reliable service for hardworking commuters and visitors to the capital.

“Much like our Victorian forebears, we will make what was once thought impossible possible when 250 brand-new, air-cooled, walk-through trains are introduced to the network.

“This is a hugely important step in the continued evolution of our world-famous Tube and one that will see an iconic new fleet of trains to keep London and its economy moving.”

Tube Managing Director Mike Brown MVO said:  “Working with the rail industry, we want the New Tube for London to encompass the very latest technology as well as respecting our design heritage. Our new trains will be energy efficient, walk-through and provide air-cooling for the first time on the deep level lines, which are unique to London.”


The introduction of driverless trains is opposed by both the Aslef and RMT unions which represent Tube drivers. The unions claim the trains would jeopardise passenger safety.

However Richard Tracey, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, dismissed safety concerns.

Mr Tracey said: “Londoners are already safely and happily riding on driverless trains on the DLR. If they’re good enough for Paris, and Copenhagen, and Vancouver, and Barcelona, and Sao Paulo, why can’t they be expanded in our Capital?

“Accelerating driverless trains on the underground would cut the huge £141M annual tube driver wage bill. Ultimately this will help bear down on fares for Londoners and pay for vital progress like 24 hour trains and flexible ticketing.”

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

Comments

  1. ASLEF shrugged says

    February 28, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    Reading through TfL’s document suggests that the Piccadilly won’t be fully driverless until 2025, the Central by 2030, W&C by 2032 and Bakerloo by 2033 which will still leave the Northern, Jubilee and the four Sub Surface Lines, roughly 70% of trains, needing a driver in the cab.

    http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/Board-20140205-Part-1-Item10-New-Tube-for-London.pdf

RECENT UPDATES

Sadiq Khan announces extra £50m to clean up commercial fleets and taxis

Sian Berry selected as Green Party’s 2020 candidate for London Mayor

London Underground introduce new ‘Here to Help’ vests to boost staff visibility

Government awards London £7m for new electric buses




Popular

TfL urged to explore Tube station sponsorship deals after poll shows public backing

TfL confirms plans to axe of shorten dozens of London bus routes

Noise from London’s heliport could pose health risk to residents says study

Social housing tenants gain veto over estate demolitions after new City Hall rules come into effect

FEATURED

TfL planning return of annual fare hikes as agency looks to balance books following Crossrail delay

TfL set to extend Cubic’s contactless fares licensing deal after netting £15m in royalties in just two years

TfL warns budget cuts could force it to close key roads, tunnels and bridges

Transport for London tells board it lacks the cash to deliver Sadiq’s transport vision

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2019 MayorWatch Publications Limited · MayorWatch is Registered Trademark · All Rights Reserved · Contact Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

MayorWatch Publications Limited · 20-22 Wenlock Road · London N1 7GU · Company Number 6291816

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.