'Standing only' escalators introduced on London Underground

Updated
'Standing only' escalators introduced on London Underground
'Standing only' escalators introduced on London Underground



A six-month 'standing only' escalator trial has begun at Holborn Tube station in London.

Commuters will be asked not to walk up two escalators at the busy London Underground station - in a bid to boost passenger flow and prevent congestion.


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For those who feel like they're in a real rush, a third escalator will allow passengers to walk up it if desired.

A trial back in November found that station congestion was reduced by about 30 per cent, according to Transport for London (TfL).

Currently, London Underground escalator etiquette sees customers who don't want to walk stand on the right, allowing access for walking commuters on the left.

But TfL have found that in stations where escalators have a vertical height of more than 18.5m (60ft 7in), much of the left-hand side remains unused, causing queues to form at the bottom, reports the BBC.

'Standing only' escalators introduced on London Underground
'Standing only' escalators introduced on London Underground



Speaking to the Metro, Peter McNaught, operations director at London Underground, said: "The etiquette on London Underground is for customers to stand on the right of escalators, allowing others to walk on the left. However, few customers choose to walk on longer escalators such as Holborn, so much of the left-hand-side is unused.

"We hope that this can lead to improving congestion at Holborn, making journeys easier for all of our customers".

Signs and information will be available to direct any confused commuters, including a talking projection of a staff member, signs on the floors, footprints on the escalator steps, handprints on the handrails and station announcements.




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