The Tube of the future?

The Tube of the future? 21st century vision of London train goes on show - offering 30% more space and air conditioning

• Siemens' Inspiro concept train is 30% more energy efficient with more capacity than similar modern metro trains and boasts full air conditioning
• Company hinted that next generation trains could be built in UK
• The full-size concept model goes on show from October 8 on the site of The Crystal in Royal Victoria Docks, London

By Sarah Griffiths
PUBLISHED: 14:36 GMT, 4 October 2013 | UPDATED: 16:39 GMT, 4 October 2013
 

A futuristic train that could on day become the future of underground rail travel has been unveiled.
A full-size concept model of Inspiro - a driverless train that is more energy efficient than current models in use with more creature comforts for commuters, will go on show at an exhibition in London.
Siemens, the company behind the concept, has hinted that next generation Tube trains like Inspiro, which costs a whopping £1million a carriage, could be built in Britain if the mayor placed an order for the new trains.
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This is a full-size concept model of Inspiro - a driverless train that is more energy efficient than current models in use with more creature comforts for commuters that will go on show at an exhibition in London

The carriages are lit with LEDs and are fully air conditioned, as well as doing away with dividing doors separating the carriages, to give 30 per cent more capacity than some of the older carriages in use on the London Underground

The Inspiro is 30 per cent more energy efficient and 20 per cent lighter than similar modern metro trains.
The carriages are lit with LED lights and are fully air conditioned, as well as doing away with dividing doors separating the carriages, to give 30 per cent more capacity than some of the older carriages in use on the London Underground.

Siemens said that commuters would also benefit from wider door openings in the carriages to avoid the rush-hour crush of people piling on and off the underground trains.
Controversially the train does not rely on a human driver and if ordered for the capital one day, would not be popular with trade unions.

A full size mock up of a Siemens Inspiro metro train on display at the press preview of an exhibition showcasing future developments in underground rail travel at The Crystal, Royal Victoria Docks

Siemens said that commuters would also benefit from wider openings in the carriages to avoid the rush-hour crush of people piling on and off the underground trains

The news, reported by The Evening Standard, that the train could potentially be built in Britain, follows the Government's decision to award funding to Transport for London for the Tube specifically, based on its claim that new orders for carriages will be given to firms based on Britain.
London-based commuters pining for a more spacious and stylish way to travel to work will be able to see the concept model from October 8, when it goes on show on the site of The Crystal in Royal Victoria Docks.
An accompanying exhibition will also highlight technologies built to help travellers find their way more easily, as well as the latest development in ticketing and passenger information systems, that could make navigating cities easier in the future.

While the interior might looks welcoming, controversially the train would not rely on a human driver and if ordered for the capital one day, would not be popular with trade unions

Steve Scrimshaw, managing director of Siemens Rail Systems UK, said: 'London, in common with many large cities around the world, faces significant transport challenges as a result of ongoing population growth and increased capacity demands.
'Our exhibition highlights some of the innovations that can be considered by cities to help their metro systems tackle these issues and help passengers benefit from an improved travel experience. We wanted people to have a really personal experience, sitting in the seats of a brand new, futuristic train and interacting with the exhibits on display in a way that not only informs but excites at the same time.'

Siemens, the company behind the concept, has hinted that next generation tube trains like Inspiro, which costs a whopping £1million a carriage, could be built in Britain if the mayor placed an order for the new trains