DB to Enhance Quality Assurance for Transport for London’s New Trains
Transport for London (TfL) has engaged two subsidiaries of Deutsche Bahn (DB) for quality assurance on new trains for the Piccadilly line. This initiative is part of the upgrade program aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the London Underground’s fleet.
Quality Assurance for London Underground’s New Trains
DB ESG, a noted rolling stock engineering firm, will lead the quality assurance efforts. It will collaborate with DBSystemtechnik (DB ST), which specializes in rolling stock inspection. Together, they will guarantee that the new fleet meets the necessary quality standards during its design, construction, and testing phases.
Development of the New Fleet
The new trains are being manufactured by Siemens Mobility as part of the Piccadilly Line Upgrade program. Most of the production is based in Yorkshire. Although Siemens delivered the first train about a year ago, testing uncovered issues that have delayed the fleet’s entry into service until the latter half of next year.
- Total number of new trains: 94
- Current fleet produced in the 1970s
- Piccadilly Line route spans from Heathrow Airport to Cockfosters
- Number of stations served: 53
Responsibilities of DB ESG
Founded in 1995, DB ESG will conduct surveillance during the manufacturing process. Its responsibilities include:
- Observing and supervising production processes
- Verifying compliance with quality standards
- Conducting independent quality checks
These activities ensure any defects are identified early, allowing for timely corrections to prevent delays and additional costs.
Local Expertise and Benefits
According to Nick Goodhand, Managing Director at DB ESG, having local teams in both the UK and the EU enhances project execution. Local language skills and knowledge of regional facilities contribute significantly to efficient project management.
As this critical initiative unfolds, TfL remains committed to improving transport quality while enhancing passenger experience across London’s vast underground network.
