Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle seller, Jubilee Mobility, has reacted to the unveiling of the new London tube design

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, last week unveiled design concepts for future tube trains. The trains, otherwise known as the New Tube for London will first appear in the mid-2020’s, about a decade from now, and will be used on the Piccadilly, Waterloo & City, Central and Bakerloo lines.

The tendering process is set to begin in 2015, with a total of 250 trains expected to be ordered in two years’ time. According to The Mayor, the upgrade will cost to the tune of £1-2.5billion.

Much to the delight of regular commuters, the tubes will have powerful air cooling to tackle the much maligned summer heat. Double doors and walk-through carriages are also expected to limit crowding issues while increasing capacity.

An excited Boris 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.

“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.”

Johnson also expressed his belief that the new tubes “slightly sinister, Darth Vaderish look” would be essential for ongoing modernisaiton.

It’s said the impressive new tubes could be driverless but that’s not the only thing getting people excited because it’s also been revealed that they will have much improved access and facilities for wheelchair users. Double entrance doors and a similar walk-through design to overground trains will make getting around much more straightforward, much to the delight of Jubilee Mobility.

Jubilee Mobility, a company specialising in wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), reacted to the news positively.

A spokesman for Jubilee said: “It’s great to see that plenty of consideration seems to have been given for disabled people. Public transport can be a real chore for those in wheelchairs, which is why so many come to companies like ours to get wheelchair-friendly vehicles, so it’s good to see that London is aiming to rectify that issue and provide a much more enjoyable and accessible transport system.”

The exciting concept designs are currently on display at King’s Cross St Pancras Underground. If you’re in London, you can view them up until the 16^th of November.    

Jubilee Mobility sell a number of used, new and bespoke WAVs. Visit their website today to find out more.