It feels like the excitement for the gang of new Piccadilly line trains has been building for yonks, but now it is… still building. But we’re close! So very close.
The very first new Piccadilly line train has arrived in London ahead of the rollout, which is expected to begin next year. It is now stationed up at Ruislip ahead of the testing phases continue, but that didn’t stop its arrival being spotted.
There will 94 trains in total arriving on the line to replace the existing with the first arriving in 2025 – but it is estimated that all of the new units won’t be in service until 2028. It will eventually mean that there will be more trains than the 86 current stock, which will lead to an increased peak frequency of 27 trains per hour, up from 24.
The arrival comes just ahead of a series of closures on the Piccadilly line to prepare for the new set of trains, which will bring air-conditioning to the line for the very first time; a godsend in those sweltering summer commutes, no doubt. They will also – much like the Circle, Hammersmith & City and District lines – have walk-through carriages, as well as their capacity increasing by around 50%.
Piccadilly line eastbound trains won’t be stopping at Caledonian Road station between October 14 and October 31with the westbound service then following as it halts at the same station between November 4 and November 21. The line will also be closed this weekend (October 19-20) between Acton Town and Rayners Lane, with closures following on November 23-24 between King’s Cross and Cockfosters. Closures between King’s Cross and Cockfosters will then take place the next weekend (November 30 – December 1) before another set of closures between Acton Town and Rayners Lane on December 7-8.
The testing stage in London is set to begin this year, before the trains enter service next year – though no exact dates have yet been provided for the precise moment we’ll get to enjoy the breezy air-conditioned beauties.
The first new Piccadilly Line trains with air conditioning and increased space are due to begin service in London next year.
