The tubes of the future have been revealed today by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

It is expected that the next generation of London Underground trains will come in to service by the mid-2020s.

The Piccadilly line will be the first to have the tubes, followed by the Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City lines, featuring air-cooling for the first time on deep-level sections of the tube.

The move comes just after London Underground prepares to run a 24-hour service.

Mr Johnson said: "These innovative, eye-catching and sleek new trains will be vital for the continued modernisation of London Underground.

"From Greenford to Gants Hill, from Alperton to Arnos Grove, they will ferry millions of people across our city, more comfortably, reliably and stylishly than ever before.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson

"The New Tube marks a significant step forward in giving Londoners and visitors the accessible and modern transport service that they expect and deserve.

"These beautiful, air-cooled machines represent the best of British design and innovation. They will help to keep London and its economy moving in the right direction."

It is expected that the trains will serve London for more than 40 years, and will mean tubes are more frequent and reliable with fewer delays, as well as increasing capacity on the following lines:

  1. The Central line by 25 per cent, the equivalent of up to 12,000 customers per hour
  2. The Bakerloo line by 25 per cent, the equivalent of up to 8,000 customers per hour
  3. The Waterloo & City line by 50 per cent, the equivalent of up to 9,000 customers per hour
  4. The Piccadilly line by 60 per cent, the equivalent of up to 19,000 customers per hour

250 of the new tubes will be built, which Transport for London claim will be a boost for jobs and growth.

Mike Brown, managing director of London Underground, said: "The New Tube for London will change the face of travel on the Underground.

"The faster, more frequent and more reliable services it will enable will help us keep pace with London's growing population."