If you've ever wanted to be one of the first people to sit in a new Tube carriage and feel some new hard-wearing, vandal-resistant moquette under your derriere, now's your chance.
You have the opportunity to err.... "test sit" the new Victoria Line trains which are on show in Euston Square Gardens before they go into general release from 2009. Thanks to Martin for the heads up on this.
Quite how you give feedback on them isn't really explained, but according to TfL's press release the market research process aims to ensure that London Underground's (LU) passengers are satisfied with the design of the new fleet. Stephen Hall, of Metronet, said the new trains will be "larger, faster and more comfortable with improved accessibility and security features."
The features include a "multi-purpose area" with tip-up seats with space for wheelchairs, pushchairs and luggage and hoorah, hoorah more standing room for rush hour. More seats coping with the increased frequency would be nice rather than more standing room - but I spose we can't have everything.
The Victoria Line makeover also includes new tracks, a new signalling and control system and a more robust power system. "When the upgrade is complete in 2013, the frequency of rush hour trains is likely to increase by 17% and journey times should improve by 16%" continued Mr Hall.
"I believe Londoners will welcome this new breed of train."
I quite like his use of the word breed there as I imagine old Tube trains getting it on to create brand spanking new carriages. So if you get a chance to visit the new offspring of Metronet, let me know what you think.
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