Climate change analysis for the Mayor of London reports the capital can expect “hotter and drier summers” by 2050 - an average warming of 3C.
So, as London heats up and the population grows, we’re going to need some upgrades to the deepest-level sweaty, stifling Tube carriages.
The Piccadilly Line is the first deep-level route - that’s over 20 metres below ground - to get proper air-conditioning in the coming years, as part of a redesign with futuristic new ‘articulated’ rolling stock.
So sweltering commuters on the Heathrow airport to Cockfosters route cutting through the West End should have the same level of comfort as Overground and Elizabeth Line passengers.
The aircon works by pushing cool drafts through ceiling vents, with ducts by the floor extracting stale air.
At the research facility of design contractor Siemens, near the German town of Mönchengladbach, the Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall tests the next generation of air-cooled, walk-through London Underground trains.
He also examines Transport for London’s financial and infrastructure challenges ahead.
These future Tubes planned for 2025 will be built mostly in East Yorkshire, and also have an Overground-style ‘walk-through’ design, allegedly increasing passenger capacity by 10 per cent and three extra carriages.
But how well this holds up during London's rush hour remains to be judged.
The deal also hinges on TfL securing £500 million for the new fleet, as part of the New Tube for London overhaul.
In the episode, you’ll hear about the new passenger experience and interviews Sambit Banerjee, joint chief executive of Siemens Mobility, plus TfL’s Glynn Barton and Stuart Harvey.
Listen above, or wherever you stream your podcasts.
