London Underground (LU) is looking for expressions of interest from rolling stock manufacturers that believe they can deliver the next generation of deep-level Tube trains.
The operator has said it plans to place a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) today (February 28) before a formal Invitation to Tender is issued in early 2015.
LU is looking to procure 250 new trains for the Bakerloo, Central, Piccadilly and Waterloo & City lines.
The new rolling stock will need to be capable of full automation, LU has said.
The 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.”
In October 2013, Siemens presented its own concept London Underground Inspiro train which it presented to the public in an exhibition at The Crystal.
Great. Siemens to build the new Inspiro Tube Trains for the 4 Lines (Bakerloo, Piccadilly, Central and Waterloo & City lines). But what about Siemens to also build their Inspiro tube trains for the Northern and Jubilee lines. But still I love to hear that the London Underground are getting brand new Air-Conditioning Walkthrough Tube trains. Bombardier have built not only the 2009 stocks for the Victoria line but also the S-Stocks for the Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City & Circle lines and some on the District line but 80 more S7 stocks for the District line to be built.
Actually TfL only say the trains are air cooled NOT air conditioned. I’m always worried when they deliberately use different, from convention, semantics.
Ok. I agree on what you said but I think London needs brand new tube stocks with air conditioning because of during the hot summer London gets quite hot and yh its best to have new tubes for passengers to be proud of.
I agree, which I why I make the point. All parts of the system require cooling to a comfortable level. The technical problem is where and how that heat is removed in stations, let alone moving trains. You wait, I bet full HVAC is not installed on these trains.
I do hope so.
I would think that London commuters would prefer a nice front with glass windows and possibly seating space if they automate the tube rather than the eyesore in the picture.