Twenty Tube Stations To Avoid During The Coronavirus Pandemic
TfL warns commuters to try not to change or board at some stations on its network
Londoners who have to use the Tube during coronavirus lockdown should avoid twenty travel hotspots, Transport for London has warned.
The transport authority today (Monday May 18) released a list of its busiest stations, where social distancing is most at risk.
But some of the biggest interchanges don’t make the list – normally crowded stations like King’s Cross, Euston and Waterloo aren’t included. Fewer commuters are travelling into the capital on National Rail services, meaning less changes onto the Tube at these stops, TfL said.
But passengers should avoid catching the Tube from stations including East Ham, Brixton and Wood Green.
Canada Water, North Acton and Canning Town are among the busiest stations for passengers changing line.
Londoners should try not to board the Tube at:
East Ham
Barking
Brixton
Canning Town
East Croydon
Lewisham DLR
Leyton
Liverpool Street
London Bridge
Seven Sisters
Stratford
West Croydon
Wood Green
Woolwich Arsenal
Changes are particularly busy at:
Barking
Canada Water
Canary Wharf
Canning Town
Clapham Junction
East Croydon
North Acton
Seven Sisters
Stratford
Walthamstow Central
West Ham
TfL is asking travellers to avoid peak hours – but the busiest times on the network have also changed during lockdown.
The morning peak is now 5.45am – 8.15am with the evening peak from 4pm – 5.30pm, both earlier than usual.
The transport authority says this may because office staff, who typically work 9am – 5pm, are now working from home.
The number of commuters in London is expected to increase, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people in England to go back to work if they can’t do their job from home.
Announcing the slight easing to lockdown measures last Sunday (May 10), Mr Johnson said commuters should avoid public transport where possible.
In the capital, TfL is asking passengers to walk or cycle if they can, and only use the network as a last resort.
Tube capacity is down to 15%, with buses able to carry just 12% of normal passengers if social distancing is to be maintained.
But TfL is now increasing services that were cut due to staff shortages at the peak of the virus.
From today, it is running three quarters of normal Tubes, 85% of buses, 80% of Overground and DLR trains, and 95% of trams.
The Circle line is back in operation from today, but the Waterloo and City line and the Night Tube are still shut.
More than 500 hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed across the network, starting with the busiest stations, with another 300 are due to be installed in the next two weeks.
And other social distancing measures, like one way systems, will be enforced at stations – passengers are being asked to keep a six step gap on escalators, and have no more than four people in lifts.
TfL is also asking all passengers to wear face masks when travelling.
By Jessie Matthewson, Local Democracy Reporter
May 18, 2020