One of the major rail services linking central London and Heathrow airport is to introduce new trains following a new funding agreement.
The UK government has agreed £250 million in funding for Transport for London (TFL) in 2024, which includes money for new trains for the Piccadilly line, which operates services to the UK’s main hub airport.
Rail minister Huw Merriman said: “We’re investing in transport across the country, and today’s agreement will have a tangible, positive impact - not just for people travelling in and around the capital but also the millions who visit every year.
“It is fair for Londoners and taxpayers, underpinning projects that will support hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs in our vital rail sector.”
The new Piccadilly line trains are being built in the Yorkshire region of England and will support nearly 3,000 jobs, including supply chains around the country.
The UK government has provided around £6.4 billion in funding for transport in London since 2020, with TFL being badly hit financially by the impact of the pandemic.
Andy Lord, London's transport commissioner, added: "Through a huge effort to reduce costs and rebuild our ridership and revenue following the pandemic, TFL is now on track to be financially sustainable in terms of its day-to-day operations. We are also able to cover the cost of the majority of our capital investment."
Transport links between central London and Heathrow have also been improved by the linking of the new Elizabeth line service to the airport.