Designs unveiled for made-in-Yorkshire ‘next generation’ tube trains

Transport for London (TfL) and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the detailed design of the new generation tube trains for the London Underground’s Piccadilly line, which will soon be in production to replace the existing 1970s fleet.

50% per cent of the new train fleet will be built in Goole, East Yorkshire, employing up to 700 people in engineering and manufacturing roles, 250 in the construction phase and 1,700 in the broader supply chain.

Last month Siemens Mobility announced £50m of related contracts for UK suppliers, including a number for train components.

These included almost £6m in contracts for Yorkshire-based LPA Lighting to provide the interior train lighting, and
Midlands-based suppliers Baker Bellfield to supply cab partition wall and IM Kelly for driver seats and footrests.

The trains currently running on the line have become increasingly unreliable and expensive to maintain and will be 50 years old by the time they are replaced.

From 2025, the new spacious ‘Inspiro London’ trains will serve customers on the Piccadilly line, future-proofed to ensure they are suitable for many years to come.

The latest tube trains feature wider doors and longer, walk-through, air-conditioned carriages for more comfortable journeys.

They optimise space to boast 10% more capacity, as well as being significantly lighter than existing designs, meaning energy efficiency is increased and damage to tracks is reduced.

Andy Lord, managing director of London Underground, said: “The introduction of new, desperately-needed modern and reliable trains on the Piccadilly line, and the capacity they will provide, will be a boost for the capital.

“We’re pleased that our investment in new trains is helping the UK economy and assisting with the recovery from the pandemic, and we look forward to seeing them on the network in years to come.

“Sustained long-term investment would enable us to introduce more modern trains over time to replace other ageing fleets alongside new signalling, improving the journeys of millions more tube customers and reducing the costs of running the tube.”

William Wilson, CEO of Siemens Mobility, added: “The state-of-the-art trains will transform the Piccadilly line passenger experience.

“They are lighter, more environmentally-friendly and future-proofed for a long life.

“But the benefits are not just confined to London. Building the new trains creates new UK jobs and extensive supply chain opportunities. A great example of levelling up in action.”