North Acton One of 20 Riskiest Tube Stations

TfL say it is one of most difficult stops to observe social distancing

North Acton has been named on a list of twenty tube stations that Transport for London (TfL) are recommending passengers avoid if they can.

The transport authority this Monday (18 May released a list of its busiest stations, where social distancing is most at risk.

North Acton is the only station in west London to be on the list. It is believed to be particularly at risk because of the number of commuters who switch between the West Ruislip and Ealing Broadway branches of the Central line on the station’s platforms.

The station has been featured in the national press with photos appearing to show a lack of distancing among commuters but it has been claimed that the perspective has exaggerated how close people are together.

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.

Local London Assembly Member, Onkar Sahota AM, said, “This list of travel hotspots, published by TfL today, provides a useful reference point for local people and a reminder that these stations should be avoided during peak times, and especially by those who are not key or essential workers.

“Going forward, we need stronger and clearer guidance from the Government to ensure employers also take responsibility and only ask their staff to commute in if absolutely necessary and safe to do so.

“It has been positive to see TfL playing its part by increasing capacity on its services, improving safety measures for transport workers, installing anti-bacterial hand gel dispensers across its network and advising passengers to wear non-medical facemasks whilst travelling”.

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 (10 May), 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 per, with buses able to carry just 12 per cent 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 per cent of buses, 80 per cent of Overground and DLR trains, and 95 per cent of trams.

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

The Circle line is back in operation from this Monday, 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.

Written with contributions from Jessie Matthewson - Local Democracy Reporter

May 18, 2020