Cool trains for Hammersmith & City and District lines unveiled

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Tubes will have air con, CCTV and walk-through carriages

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, promised users of the Hammersmith & City and District lines on Thursday (September 25) that they would have air-conditioned trains by 2011.

The new trains, part of Transport for London's (TfL) investment programme will serve the Metropolitan line from 2010 and the Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines from 2011.

A mock - up of the new trains will be on display at Euston Square Gardens for the public to view from Saturday 26 September to Thursday 2 October.

Passengers will benefit from air conditioning, walk-through carriages, CCTV coverage in each carriage and improved accessibility.

Mr Johnson, said: “London is the coolest city on the planet and now we're getting the coolest trains too. After decades spent sweltering in tropical conditions on the Tube in just two years time Londoners on the sub surface lines will be able to use the first of these superb trains.

“I can assure passengers who will use them that we hope

rather than arriving at their destinations drenched in perspiration they will emerge cool as cucumbers and ready to enjoy all that the capital offers.

"When the full upgrade of our sub surface lines is complete, including the work improving signaling, capacity on these lines will be increased by over 45 per cent, which will mean less crowding and also mean we can cope with the continuing increase in passenger numbers."

Peter Hendy, Transport for London Commissioner, said: "The new air conditioned trains are part of vital upgrade works which will transform the oldest and complex lines on the Tube network - the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and the Metropolitan lines. When works are completed passengers will see faster, more reliable journeys and more trains per hour.

"The new air conditioned trains will be common to all the Underground’s sub-surface lines and will help us deliver a better service to passengers, with improved accessibility, more space and enhanced security."

 

September 26, 2008