Air-con Tube train run on open-air line

The London Tube's first air-conditioned train started running yesterday – on a stretch of line in the open air.

Although the new, cool trains will serve 40 per cent of the Underground network over the next few years, there are no immediate plans for air-conditioned trains on the deep-lying, often boiling hot lines such as the Bakerloo, Northern and Piccadilly.

London Mayor Boris Johnson joined passengers on the first of the new trains which will run, to start with, on the Metropolitan line from Wembley Park to Watford. Mr Johnson said: "Unless you are cycling, there cannot be a better way to criss-cross north-west London than in this smooth addition to London's infrastructure.

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"This train is quite literally the coolest ride in town." A total of 191 air-conditioned trains – built by Bombardier Transportation in Derby – are being brought into service.

A Transport for London spokeswoman said: "There is a lack of space for air-conditioning units on deep-lying lines."