Transport for London has released the first official video showing one of the new trains for the Piccadilly line entering a station during a test run. The footage, filmed at South Kensington station, offers a glimpse of the striking front-end lights in operation, which have drawn comparisons to the visual style of the film Tron.
The train is part of a new fleet being introduced under the New Tube for London programme. Known as the 2024 Tube Stock, these trains are designed to replace the current fleet on the Piccadilly line, which dates back to the 1970s.
Although testing began in July, this is the first time the public has seen one of the trains operating inside a London Underground station. The dramatic lighting effect around the front of the train is intended to improve visibility and enhance safety but has also become a standout design feature in its own right.
A total of ninety four new trains are being manufactured by Siemens Mobility at their factory in Goole, East Yorkshire. The factory is gradually increasing its output, with each unit undergoing a series of tests before it is transported to London. According to Transport for London, the first of these new trains is expected to enter passenger service in the second half of 2026.
Once fully rolled out, the new trains will offer a range of modern features including walk through carriages, air conditioning, real time travel information, and improved accessibility. They will also enable an increase in service frequency during peak hours from twenty four trains per hour to up to thirty three.
Image © TfL
Stuart Harvey, Chief Capital Officer at Transport for London, confirmed that this video represents the beginning of a wider testing and commissioning programme which will continue throughout the next year.
The introduction of these trains marks the first step in a long term upgrade plan for deep level Underground lines. The design has also been developed with future automation in mind, although there are currently no plans to operate them without drivers.
Image © TfL
