Sophisticated technology and increasing automation means London Underground is likely to have placed its last order for a fleet of trains requiring the skills of a traditional train driver. On Tuesday (2 November) Transport for London's board was updated on plans to buy the next generation of Tube trains for the London Underground Bakerloo, Piccadilly and Central lines. Confirmation was given that LU expects computers to take over the driving of trains in a shake-up of the network which could slash costs but would have a major impact on existing staff and relations with trade unions. "Given the technology available now, it is very unlikely that, after the procurement of the trains for the sub-surface lines, LU will ever again buy a fleet of passenger trains with conventional drivers' cabs," LU managing director Mike Brown told the board. "This means that the new generation of Tube train being developed for the Bakerloo, Piccadilly and Central lines, to be introduced in the 2020s,...

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Source: Transport Briefing