driverless london underground trains shown by priestmangoode & TFL

driverless london underground trains shown by priestmangoode & TFL
images courtesy of priestmangoode

mayor of london, boris johnson revealed the design and brand experience consultancy priestmangoode’s new vision for the underground tube. working with transport for london (TFL), the next generation of deep level trains will operate from 2022 at newly modified piccadilly, bakerloo, central and waterloo & city line stations for more than 40 years. the 250 built will be capable of fully automatic operation but will have a driver on board when first introduced. the designs reflects the contemporary culture and architectural landmarks of the city, whilst staying true to the british transport’s style heritage.

the new tube animation
video courtesy of priestmangoode

the stations platforms feature a step-free walk-through system that increases commuters’ safety by opening seamlessly with the train’s doors. the carriages include wider entrances to facilitate quicker turnaround times and also an increased capacity. inside, the cars have an updated air-cooler to provide a more fresh traveling experience and has digital screens to display live news feeds from the TFL. the interior uses natural finishes and materials to ensure a comfortable commute, and includes a color palette of charcoal, warm grey and oxblood that represents the underground DNA.

paul priestman, director at priestmangoode, explains ‘TfL wanted the new tube for london to celebrate the great history of transport design in london, whilst acting as a beacon of innovative 21st century public transport. we took inspiration from iconic london landmarks and key attributes of british design to create a tube that is beautiful, simple, functional and maintainable.’

‘we’ve designed rail and metro projects all over the world. we understand what passengers want, but also what is needed to ensure easy maintenance and efficiency for the operator, which is crucial. good design isn’t just about style, it’s about making something better and easier to run and maintain.’

the trains will feature wider doors to facilitate quicker commuting

priestman continues, ‘london’s tube is one of the most iconic trains around the world. we are proud to have designed something that it is part of the very fabric of london life, celebrating all that’s great about London’s environment; cutting edge technology, rich history and diversity. the new tube for london will take the city into the future by enriching the everyday journey of its passengers.’

the design reflects a contemporary design style that is concurrent with london’s culture and architecture

mike brown MVO, managing director of london underground said, ‘the new tube for london will change the face of travel on the underground. the faster, more frequent and more reliable services it will enable will help us keep pace with london’s growing population. the design respects the past but also looks to the future and with the very latest technology; including walk-through carriages and wider doors to enable people to get on and off quickly as well as providing air-cooling for the first time on the deep level lines.’

‘londoners are already seeing huge improvements on the tube network, with faster and more frequent journeys on the jubilee and victoria lines, the modernization of the northern line nearing completion this year, and new walk-through, air-cooled trains on the circle, hammersmith & city, metropolitan and part of the district lines. the new tube will take the improvements to the next level.’

the mayor of london, boris johnson, said, ‘these innovative, eye-catching and sleek new trains will be vital for the continued modernization of london underground. from greenford to gants hill, from alperton to arnos grove, they will ferry millions of people across our city, more comfortably, reliably and stylishly than ever before. the new tube marks a significant step forward in giving londoners and visitors the accessible and modern transport service that they expect and deserve. these beautiful, air-cooled machines represent the best of british design and innovation. they will help to keep london and its economy moving in the right direction.’

close up view of the carriages front