For some of my readers, hopefully it has answered your questions about changes such as the interior design and the Platform Screen/Edge Doors, driverless operation, etc.
Request ID: FOI-2143-2425
Date published: 31 October 2024
Images of the 'New Tube for London' from 2014.
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) June 9, 2022
A timeline from the 2014 'Fit for the Future' document of the opening of Crossrail (Elizabeth line), Northern line Battersea extension, station upgrades etc.https://t.co/WTMEDG53kZ pic.twitter.com/znQvOqdTGQ
The original interior colour scheme was produced at the concept design stage for a generic, multi-line train. TfL has since developed this to improve consistency for customers, and to align with corporate design standards, branding and accessibility requirements. The colour palette for the new Piccadilly line also reflects the line identity and may be refined in detail for subsequent train orders for other lines.
2. Have any of the disability groups (including wheelchair users) been invited to evaluate and test the 2024 Tube Stock?
The design of the new trains was developed with input from TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG) who were engaged at the interior mock-up stage to refine the details of the design for wheelchair access and facilities.
3. Will the new 2024 Tube Stock be able to have luggage racks fitted to reduce obstruction for passengers?
No provision has been made for luggage racks in the new trains. Multi-purpose areas have been included in the vehicles, with Tip-up seating, to provide floor space for luggage and pushchairs to reduce obstructions.
4. Will the new 2024 Tube Stock be fully driverless like the DLR?
No. TfL has no plans to introduce driverless operation on the London Underground network. The new trains are equipped with a driving cab for manual operation or automatic operation in the future with a Train Operator in the cab, as we have now on other LU lines, when we come to replace the signalling on the Piccadilly line.
5. Will the Piccadilly line have new signal systems, including the communications-based train control (CBTC) for the new 2024 Tube Stock?
The new trains will be introduced for operation with the existing signalling system. The upgrade of the signalling on Piccadilly line is not currently funded and is one of many priorities for TfL in ongoing discussions with the Government over long-term capital funding for the TfL Network.
Unfortunately, it has taken 10 years for the 'New Tube for London' to get to the construction and rollout for the Piccadilly line.
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) October 3, 2024
Next is the Bakerloo line, as they need a major upgrade.
This includes upgrading the signalling systems.
The video is from 10 years ago (2014). https://t.co/EuwEavz75y pic.twitter.com/2odF8LfCBr
There are no plans to introduce Platform Screen/Edge Doors at stations served by the 2024TS.
7. When will the 2024 Tube Stock be rolled out to the Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City lines, in accordance with your 2014 plan?
TfL has time limited options in its contract with Siemens Mobility Limited for the Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City lines which are currently not funded. Replacement of the life-expired trains on these are lines are a priority for TfL in our discussions with Government over long-term capital funding for the TfL Network.
The first Piccadilly line trains arrived in London on October 14th, following rigorous testing.
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) October 16, 2024
The new state-of-the-art Piccadilly line trains will start entering service by the end of 2025 with the full fleet of 94 trains expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027 pic.twitter.com/A9DiHhMW0w
Planning for the replacement of rolling stock on the Bakerloo line is underway and options for train maintenance and stabling facilities are being considered, including the current depot site at Stonebridge Park. There are no plans to develop Neasden depot to accommodate the Bakerloo line trains and the extension of the line to Lewisham and beyond is a longer-term priority which would be subject to agreement with Government on funding.
Highlights from #TfL's 'Fit for the Future' document published in 2014. The proposals: 🡒 Met line extension 🡒 Elizabeth line in 2018 🡒 Northern Line Extension to Battersea Power Station in 2020 🡒 Launch of the New Tube for #London for the Piccadilly line in 2022 And more #urbanism #history
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) December 16, 2023 at 1:07 AM
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There are no plans at present for the replacement of trains on the Jubilee, Northern and Victoria lines which will be the subject of future procurements.
Very recently, the TfL capital funding settlement for 30 October 2024 by the Department for Transport. The Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP, wrote to the Mayor of London to set out Transport for London’s capital funding settlement for the financial year 2025 to 2026.
Here are some interesting points in the document.
4. This FY25/26 capital settlement is to enable TfL to continue to deliver its current capital programme and its committed major capital projects, and is inclusive of funding for the procurement of additional Elizabeth Line trains as per the settlement letter dated 14th June 2024.
6. The Department will make the following payments to TfL: £242.5m on 10 April 2025 and £242.5m on 25 September 2025.
7. HMG expects you to consider the full range of revenue raising powers at your disposal as part of TfL’s business planning and to confirm to HMG your plans to ensure TfL continues to improve its financial sustainability in the medium term. You should note that HMG’s assessment of TfL funding needs in Phase 2 of the Spending Review will be conducted against a baseline scenario where TfL rail fares rise in line with national rail fares this year.
9. HMG understands the importance of long-term funding certainty to enable investment in critical upgrades to major capital projects (e.g. the Bakerloo Line Upgrade, signalling and major road renewals), to create certainty for the supply chain and generate greater efficiencies that come with longer term planning. The Department will continue to work with TfL with the aim to place it on a long-term financially sustainable footing as part of Phase 2 of the Spending Review.
Although the UK Treasury announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 funding for rolling stock for the Piccadilly and Elizabeth lines.
Autumn Budget 2024
The settlement provides increased investment in local roads maintenance and local transport, supporting everyday journeys and addressing poor connectivity within our towns and cities across the country, which is currently a key drag on growth. It does this by:
Providing an additional £200 million for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, bringing local transport spending for Metro Mayors in 2025-26 to £1.3 billion. The government will also work with Mayoral Combined Authorities to increase the ambition on housing investment that accompanies expansion of transport links.
Providing over £650 million of funding for local transport beyond City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements in 2025-26 to ensure that transport connections improve in our towns, villages and rural areas as well as in our major cities. This includes funding to progress transport-related Levelling Up Fund projects from Rounds 1, 2 and 3. The Transport Secretary will set out further detail on how this funding will be allocated in due course.
Providing over £1 billion funding to support local areas and bus operators, in 2025-26, providing high quality bus services across the country. The government is extending the bus fare cap, which was due to end in December 2024. A new cap will run from January 2025 to December 2025 at the higher rate of £3. This will allow the government to develop a more sustainable model of government support for the bus sector that is better value for taxpayers and bus passengers.
£485 million for Transport for London (TFL)’s capital renewals programme in 2025-26. This includes funding for rolling stock on the Piccadilly and Elizabeth Lines.
To conclude, the changes in the design and functionality of the 2024 Tube Stock illustrate a response to evolving passenger needs and regulatory requirements. Input from disability groups has informed design improvements, while considerations for luggage space reflect a focus on accessibility. Current funding discussions will play a crucial role in determining the future upgrades and enhancements of the London Underground.
Update - 4th November 2024: Special thanks to Time Out for linking to my article. Just to clarify, TfL publishes FOI requests on their website made by anyone, without disclosing personal information. If you've noticed any other sites linking to my articles, please let me know by contacting me on my social media links below.
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