London Underground begins search for supplier to build the ‘New Tube for London’

• First ever air-cooled trains for the deep-level Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines
• 250 new walk-through trains and modern signalling system will boost capacity, supporting London’s population growth and economy

London Underground (LU) will today begin the search for a supplier to build the ‘New Tube for London’ – the next generation of deep-level, energy efficient, walk-through and air-cooled Tube trains. The new trains, capable of full automation, will enable more frequent and reliable services, boosting capacity and making journeys better and more comfortable for customers.

The New Tube for London will operate on the Bakerloo, Central, Piccadilly and Waterloo & City lines. 250 new trains will include air-cooling for the first time on deep-level sections of the Tube, a challenge thought to be almost impossible to overcome until now.

LU will place a notice today with the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) seeking expressions of interest to build the new trains. A formal Invitation to Tender is expected to be issued in early 2015.

Alongside new modern signalling systems, the new trains will help LU meet the challenge of London’s growing population – set to increase from 8.2m today to around 10m by 2030 – by increasing capacity on:

• the Central line by 25 per cent;
• the Bakerloo line by 25 per cent;
• the Waterloo & City line by 50 per cent; and,
• the Piccadilly line by 60 per cent.

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.”

Mike Brown MVO, Managing Director of London Underground said: “Londoners have already seen huge improvements on the Underground. The modernisation of the Victoria and Jubilee lines has delivered faster, more frequent and reliable journeys and this year we’ll also complete the upgrade of the Northern line ahead of schedule. New walk-through, air-cooled trains are already running on the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines and will soon be on the District line too.

“However, we can’t stand still and must continue to invest to meet the needs of London’s rapidly growing population. Alongside modern signalling, these new trains will modernise and drastically improve capacity on the Bakerloo, Central, Piccadilly and Waterloo & City lines, allowing us to run more frequent and reliable trains, faster and closer together.

“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.”