News

Transport for London to close 40 Underground stations

19 Mar 2020 by Mark Caswell

London underground train in motion (iStock.com/MarioGuti)

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Transport for London (TfL) has announced a series of service reductions “to enable London’s critical workers to make essential journeys” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Up to 40 Underground stations that do not interchange with other lines are to close today until further notice, and the Waterloo and City Line will close entirely from tomorrow (Friday March 20). A list of the stations set to close can be seen below.

In addition Friday and Saturday all-night Tube and Overground services will be cancelled until further notice, “to ensure the resilience of the regular Tube and Overground services”. Late services on both the Tube and Overground will continue to run for essential journeys.

There will be fewer London bus services, but TfL said that its “extensive night bus network will continue to provide critical workers with a reliable night option on Friday and Saturday nights and throughout the week”.

The moves come as London effectively heads for lockdown, with the UK government advising against all non-essential social contact.

From Monday March 23 TfL will gradually reduce the frequency of other services across its network “to provide a service for critical workers to get to where they need to – ensuring that remaining services are not overcrowded”. The aim is to run Tube trains every four minutes in zone 1, although this may be further reduced, and fewer Santander Cycle hubs will be open.

Services on the London Overground, TfL Rail, the DLR and London Trams will also be reduced until further notice. London buses will operate “a service similar to a Saturday”.

TfL said that travellers who have a season ticket loaded onto an Oyster card and require a refund can contact 0343 222 1234. The £5 admin fee for processing refunds is also being waived.

Commenting on the news The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to. Londoners should be avoiding social interaction unless absolutely necessary, and that means they should be avoiding using the transport network unless absolutely necessary.

“London will get through these extraordinarily challenging times, and ensuring the capital’s critical workers can move around the city will be crucial.

“Frontline staff across our health and care service – as well as those ensuring Londoners stay safe and can access food and other essentials – should be commended for their hard work. We owe it to them to do whatever we can to help them do their jobs effectively.

“I’m urging Londoners to only use public transport for essential journeys. Everyone should follow this and the other advice to help keep themselves and each other safe.”

tfl.gov.uk

Underground stations set to close from today include the following. Customers are advised to check the TfL website for live updates before they travel:

Bakerloo line