Piccadilly line train arrives in London for testing
London welcomed its first new Piccadilly line train on, 14th October, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of one of the tube’s busiest routes. The new trains, developed by Siemens Mobility, are part of a £2.9 billion upgrade program aimed at enhancing the passenger experience, improving journey times, and making the service more sustainable.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, described the arrival of the new Piccadilly line train as “an exciting moment” for the city. The new trains are set to enter service by the end of 2025, with a full fleet of 94 expected by 2027. The initial test train was transported from Wildenrath, Germany, covering approximately 400 miles via the Channel Tunnel.
These state-of-the-art trains boast several advanced features, including walk-through carriages, wider doorways for easier access, digital information screens, and air-conditioning—an upgrade not previously available on Deep Tube trains. Moreover, the new models are designed to be more energy-efficient, consuming 20% less energy than their nearly 50-year-old predecessors on the Piccadilly line.
Around 80% of the fleet will be constructed at Siemens Mobility’s new factory in Goole, East Yorkshire, which was inaugurated earlier this month. The test train, built in Vienna, has undergone extensive testing in Germany and will now undergo further commissioning activities in London to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure on the Piccadilly line.
Testing will take place during off-peak hours and will include both nighttime operations and day runs between regular services as the launch date approaches. Once operational, the nine-carriage trains will increase capacity by approximately 10%, with service frequency rising from 24 to 27 trains per hour.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, emphasized that these new trains will enhance the commuting experience for millions, providing a more frequent and reliable service. Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s role in boosting British jobs through local assembly.
As London continues its transport upgrades, efforts are also underway to enhance the Bakerloo line, which serves trains over 50 years old. With the commitment to modernize the Piccadilly line and beyond, TfL aims to deliver a world-class transport network that meets the needs of its growing population.
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