London Underground train capable of running without a driver undergoes trials

The first new Piccadilly line train off the production line is being tested in Germany today, as transport bosses prepare for the new model’s introduction to London’s Tube network. The new stock is undergoing acceleration and braking testing, along with noise and vibration trials and assessments of its hardware and software. The line’s existing trains have been in use since 1975, and are expected to be replaced with the new models in 2025.
Brand new Piccadilly line train in Germany Credit: Siemens

A London Underground train capable of running without a driver is undergoing trials in Germany. The nine-carriage train is the first of 94 due to arrive on the Piccadilly Line in 2025. They were ordered in 2014 by former mayor Boris Johnson following a manifesto pledge to introduce driverless Tubes. Transport for London confirmed the train was capable of 'driving in several modes including driverless'. But officials said there were no current plans to operate them without drivers in the front cab. Sources described the driverless capability as a 'futureproofing exercise'. The switch to automated trains would need huge changes to the Tube's infrastructure, including new computerised signals.

The new trains will help increase capacity Credit: Siemens

Any attempt to introduce driverless trains on the Tube would provoke a furious reaction from the unions. The trains are being built by Siemens Mobility at factories in Vienna, Austria and Goole, Yorkshire.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Ensuring London’s transport network keeps up with the demands of our great city means continually improving and updating our infrastructure.

“These new trains will transform travel on the Piccadilly line, making them more comfortable for passengers and improving people’s daily journeys.”

The new trains will increase capacity by around 10 per cent and are also significantly lighter than existing designs which will mean the trains are more energy efficient as well as providing a smoother ride.

They will also be the first trains on the 'deep Tube' to boast air conditioning.

Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: "Seeing the first of our new Piccadilly line trains getting ready to undergo rigorous testing clearly demonstrates the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes to build a new fleet of state-of-the-art Tube trains for London.

"We remain on track for these new Piccadilly line trains, which will see air-conditioning brought to the Deep Tube network for the very first time, to start serving our customers from 2025.

"We hope to follow the introduction of these new trains to the Piccadilly line by doing the same on the Bakerloo line, replacing the 51-year-old trains that it currently operates, and then by introducing new signalling across the Deep Tube lines to realise the full benefits of the new trains."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...