Transport for London Cools on Tube Improvements

Plans to cool the London Tube network look set to be scrapped following government transport body Transport for London’s (TFL) takeover of failed Tube consortium Metronet.

The news comes just months after TFL announced the introduction of new measures and technologies to reduce stifling temperatures on the Tube as part of a £10bn investment programme.

Plans to air condition trains in addition to cooling down stations are now under threat as TFL looks for ways to save money following its takeover of Metronet.

One pilot project to cool Victoria Tube station, using cold water from an underground river, was hailed a success after winning a Carbon Trust award earlier this year.

In May this year TFL announced the first air-cooled trains were due to arrive in January 2010.

Other station improvements including lift and ramp upgrades could also be under threat.

TFL were unavailable for comment.

By staff writer