Air-conditioned trains unveiled

The first of dozens of air-conditioned trains destined for London Overground lines is to be unveiled later, with 24 rolled out by the end of the year.

The first new trains on the network for 30 years, they will boast walkthrough carriages, Tube-style seating and CCTV.

They will begin on the northern part of the network, with a total of 54 put in operation across London over 18 months.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson unveiled the first of the new £250m fleet in Willesden, west London.

Mr Johnson said: "For far too long passengers on our Overground lines have suffered from crumbling unreliable trains that were just not up to muster.

"Every element on these brand spanking new trains has been crafted to meet the capital's needs - the standard of design will surprise even the most hardened traveller."

"For the last few weeks when we had the hot weather it was unbearable"

Mayor's transport advisor Kulveer Ranger said: "We want to increase capacity - and these brand new trains have been specially designed for our Overground in London.

"When we have four-carriage trains they will be able to have 700 people in them.

"By 2012 we should have a fantastic Overground network."

According to passengers the new trains are badly needed.

One Overground user told BBC London: "For the amount of money you pay to get on the [existing] trains it is definitely not worth it.

"It is overly hot and there is no air-con."

Another passenger said: "For the last few weeks when we had the hot weather it was unbearable.

"I travel on the train for 45 minutes - and it feels like three hours."

The first 24 trains will run on the north London, west London and Watford-Euston lines of the Overground network.

A further 20 will come into service on the East London line extension when completed next year, while 10 more are earmarked for the whole network by 2011.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Mayor of London
Transport for London
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites