Last train of S-Stock fleet delivered to London Underground
2016-11-29 10:45:19This train is the last of 192 built by Bombardier in the UK as part of the transformation of the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines in London.
The new trains are longer and spacious with air-conditioned interiors, spaces for wheelchair users and are being fitted with a communications-based train control system (CBTC) prior to entering passenger service.
Running across the four lines, they will replace the older D-Stock trains, which will be fully phased out by next year.
London Underground managing director Mark Wild said: "The delivery of the final 192nd S-Stock train is a landmark moment in the history of London Underground, bringing us one step closer to modernising the oldest metro lines in the world.
“Once the new signalling system is complete in 2023, our customers will benefit from faster, more frequent and more reliable journeys.”
At present, work is underway to completely overhaul ageing signalling and control systems across the four lines.
With the new signalling provided by Thales, LU will be able to run more trains providing a 33% increase in capacity across the four lines by the early 2020s.
The signalling is similar to the systems now being used on the Jubilee and Northern lines.
Following completion of upgrades in 2023, the frequency of trains running during peak periods is set to increase to 32 an hour.