London Underground Upgrade: A Driverless Future?

The London Underground is set to become more stylish, efficient, and automated. Transport for London plans to introduce new walk-through carriages to accommodate the growing population, expected to reach 10 million by 2030. These new trains will increase passenger capacity by 19,000 per hour on certain lines. Several engineering firms are competing for a contract worth 2.5 billion pounds to supply 250 trains, which will operate for 40 years and have the potential to run without drivers. A key feature eagerly anticipated by Londoners is the inclusion of air conditioning.

What is the expected lifespan of the new trains once they are in service?

What feature of the new trains are Londoners particularly looking forward to?