LONDONERS SWELTER ON THE TUBE AS AIR-CONDITIONED TRAINS DELAY: Despite scorching heatwave temperatures exceeding those above ground, only 40% of the Tube network operates with air-conditioned trains, leaving thousands to endure sweltering journeys. The delayed introduction of new air-conditioned trains, including 94 Piccadilly Line trains due in December or next June at the earliest, has sparked widespread criticism of Mayor Sadiq Khan and City Hall.
The situation on the deeper lines is particularly dire, with none of the Central, Jubilee, Bakerloo, Piccadilly, Northern, Victoria, and Waterloo & City lines currently equipped with air-conditioned trains. During the recent heatwave, these lines recorded temperatures of up to 39.4°C (Central Line), 37.2°C (Jubilee Line) and 36.4°C (Bakerloo Line), highlighting the urgent need for improved cooling measures.
The £1 billion project to introduce 54 new air-conditioned DLR trains, launched last autumn, has been paused due to safety concerns, while nearly a decade has passed since new air-conditioned trains were introduced on the Tube network. Station cooling systems also present a challenge, with key stations like Oxford Street and Green Park still struggling with out-of-order cooling systems that have been broken since 2017.
Political figures from across the spectrum have urged Mayor Khan to address the cooling issues on the Tube, with Transport for London (TfL) stating plans to order new air-conditioned trains for the Bakerloo, Central, and Waterloo & City lines – although no firm timeline has been set. Trials of an innovative station cooling system are underway at five Piccadilly Line stations, but significant central government funding is required to progress these initiatives.
Commuters continue to bear the brunt of this prolonged discomfort, with one passenger likening their descent into Bank station during the recent heatwave to "descending into hell". Critics argue that Mayor Khan has not done enough to secure the necessary funding and resources to address the cooling crisis on the Tube.