TfL releases list of busiest stations to be avoided – but still only use the Tube if you have to

By Jessie Matthewson, Local Democracy Reporter

South Londoners who have to use the Tube during coronavirus lockdown should avoid 20 travel hotspots, Transport for London (TfL) has warned.

The transport authority yesterday 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 on to 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 the following stations:

• 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 said this may because office staff, who typically work 9am-5pm, are now working from home.

But 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 cannot 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.

From today TfL 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.

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 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.