Designs for the next generation of London Underground trains have been unveiled.

Transport for London (TfL) said the Siemens-built trains will feature more space, air-conditioning, walk-through carriages and improved accessibility.

Ninety-four of the Inspiro London trains will replace the existing 1970s fleet on the Piccadilly line from 2025 under a £1.5 billion order placed in 2018.

TfL’s finances have been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic, leading to it requiring a £1.8 billion Government bailout in November 2020 which ensured services can keep running until the end of March.

The frequency on the Piccadilly line during peak periods will increase from 24 trains per hour to 27 from mid-2027.

TfL said the new trains will boost sustainability by recovering energy during braking and being lighter, meaning energy consumption and track damage will be cut.

It claimed they demonstrate how investment in the Tube network boosts the UK’s economy.

Production of the rolling stock will be split equally between a new factory due to open in Goole, East Yorkshire in 2023, and Vienna, Austria.

Up to 700 people will be employed in engineering and manufacturing roles at the Goole plant.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “These much-needed new trains will be a great step forward for our city, improving frequency, reliability and capacity on the Piccadilly line.

“The continued modernisation of the Tube – which has seen a transformation over the last two decades – is a key part of my transport strategy to make London a greener, more affordable, more accessible place.

“But we need investment to continue this work.

“I will keep lobbying the Government to deliver a long-term, viable funding model for TfL, which would enable us to carry out more upgrades to the network’s ageing infrastructure, boost our economy and deliver a green recovery for London and the wider country.”

Siemens boss William Wilson commented: “The state-of-the-art trains will transform the Piccadilly line passenger experience.

“They are lighter, more environmentally-friendly and future-proofed for a long life. But the benefits are not just confined to London.

“Building the new trains creates new UK jobs and extensive supply chain opportunities. A great example of levelling up in action.”