Driverless trains

TfL has committed to investigate driverless trains as an expressed condition of the recent Government bailout (see July issue). An analysis of just how realistic it might be for LU to introduce Grade-of-Automation was discussed in the October 2020 issue.

The DfT is funding the work to prepare an interim outline business case on the Waterloo & City line within 12 months and an interim strategic outline business case on the Piccadilly Line within 18 months. Interim reports on both projects are to be provided by December. In addition, London mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that no further rolling stock will be ordered with an “old-fashioned driver cab”.

It therefore seems likely that no further orders will be placed for replacement rolling stock on the Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City lines until the outline cases have been assessed.