London's Piccadilly Line to Get Driverless Trains by 2027
London's transport authority, Transport for London (TfL), has announced plans to introduce driverless trains on the Piccadilly line as part of the 'New Tube for London' (NTfL) project. The move, however, has sparked concerns from unions like the RMT over job security.
The new trains, set to enter service by the end of 2025 with a full fleet by 2027, will offer improved features such as walk-through carriages, wider doorways, information screens, CCTV cameras, and air-conditioning. TfL has been focusing on upgrading digital signalling, structural maintenance, and replacing existing stock, with the Piccadilly line being a key focus.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has acknowledged the significant investment required for driverless trains, stating that it would coincide with other line upgrades. However, the RMT union has expressed backlash, citing job security concerns for train drivers. The union fears that the introduction of driverless trains could lead to job losses in the industry.
The NTfL project, with its driverless trains, is expected to bring enhanced passenger experience and increased capacity to the Piccadilly line. However, the billions in additional costs per line, along with other upgrades and maintenance, pose a significant financial challenge. The future of train driver jobs remains a contentious issue as the project progresses.
