New Piccadilly line tube train has first main line test

A new Piccadilly line train has made it out of a depot and onto the main line for the first time for trial runs ahead of expected passenger introduction later this year.

The first 2024 stock made by Siemens set off from Ruislip to Rayners Lane as work proceeds to replace existing stock dating back 50 years. A train subsequently made another journey on the tube network for testing.

Upgrades

Upon introduction new stock will transform passenger journeys with increase capacity, walk-through carriages and air conditioning on a deep tube line for the first time.

In total 94 new trains will replace 87 existing stock from the 1970s.

A recent TfL report stated £1,332bn had so far been spent on the upgrade which includes a wide range of other changes, with a further £1,705bn to be spent. Other work includes additional high voltage power system capacity installation as well as new sidings.

The report also highlights that “production in both Vienna and Goole continues to increase, with a steady ramp-up in progress. Multiple cars are in manufacture across both sites: to date, Vienna has commissioned 57 cars, and Goole is commissioning four cars out of the 26 that have been delivered.

“Currently, five trains are at the Siemens testing facility in Germany.”

Driver training is ongoing with a cab simulator now in London and being used to “develop the training programme for Piccadilly line train operators. A pilot training course has been completed and will provide a qualification for operators who will drive the train when it begins system testing on the network.”

The project will run until 2028 with the first train expected to be in service by the end of 2025. Transport for London hopes to gain approval for a subsequent order to replace even older Bakerloo line stock.