Saturday 5 October 2013

The Tube of the future

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.

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

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

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

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