London Underground (LU) has introduced new air-conditioned trains on the Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City and Circle lines, completely replacing C-stock trains.
The move forms a part of LU’s programme, which will modernise major stations, trains, track and signalling in order to increase passenger capacity.
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As part of the modernisation initiative, LU has completely displaced old trains, which have been in service for the past 40 years.
LU chief operating officer Phil Hufton said: "These old trains have been great servants to the millions of people, who have used the branch over the years. But after more than 40 years in service, it is now time for the next generation of trains that are walk-through, air-conditioned and more accessible to transport commuters for the next 40 years.
"We are carrying more passengers today than ever before, with more than 1.265 billion journeys made in the last year."
The new trains are equipped with improved audio and visual information systems, CCTV and an energy-efficient braking system, in addition to increased accessibility and space.
The complete fleet comprising 191 trains will come into service in 2016.
LU aims to equip the railway lines with a new signalling system, which will boost capacity and make journeys faster and even more reliable.
It plans to continue investing and modernising the network, in order to meet the growing passenger traffic.
Image: London Underground trains – a C-stock (left) next to a D-stock (right) at Earl’s Court on the District Line. Photo: courtesy of Au Morandarte.
