Boris Johnson promises deep-line Tube trains will finally get air conditioning... in the 2020s

Hot and bothered: Commuters on the Central line at Liverpool Street
Tom Marshall14 March 2016

Boris Johnson today pledged that deep-level Underground trains will get air conditioning as he claimed engineers have "cracked" cooling on the lowest lines.

Speaking during his final Twitter question-and-answer session as Mayor of London, he said there were firm plans for air conditioning to be introduced across much of the network.

Responding to a tweeter who said they were "sick of sweating" on the Tube, he said: "We have cracked air con on the deep Tube so should be as soon as new Tube trains come in... don't cut TfL budgets."

Commuters often complain of sweltering temperatures during the hotter months on the Tube.

Highs of nearly 35C have been recorded on the Central line in past summers - well above the 30C maximum limit for transporting cattle.

Transport for London confirmed that 250 new trains with air-cooling systems would be introduced on the Piccadilly, Waterloo & City, Bakerloo and Central lines from the early 2020s.

They would be the first on any of the deeper Tube lines. Currently, only trains on the shallower District and Circle lines have cooling technology.

The Mayor also defended the recent renaming of Crossrail to the Elizabeth Line as he dealt with a range of issues during his #AskBoris Twitter session.

After a questioner challenged the decision, saying: "Crossrail is much better known and easier on the tongue", the Mayor replied: "Totally right to name Elizabeth Line, after the Queen has seen most sensational improvements in London transport."

Mr Johnson also spoke about non-transport matters, including plans to build more housing, pollution levels - and his desire to see the wrestling event WWE WrestleMania at Wembley.

He also referenced his support for Brexit, saying London would be stronger outside the EU, and touched on the controversy after Top Gear filmed a stunt close to the Cenotaph.

"Don't disturb George's budget folks, we need Crossrail 2 and business rate devolution," he said of the TV crew.

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