London Trains & Tubes - Overcrowding -China Virus

[Barquentine]

Three weeks ago I had to attend an interview in central London. I was pleased to find the train and tubes I took were very empty. Last Thursday I went to another interview and the Victoria line trains were packed. I'm sure I heard many fewer people are travelling on the trains and tubes - so why are they suddenly overcrowded again? No one would actually reduce the service would they? Unless their aim was to increase London China virus infection rates exponentially? Does anyone know if a decision to reduce services has been made and if so by whom?

[vulcan42]

TfL are reducing the number of trains.
https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/metros/london-underground-closes-40-stations-and-cut-services/

[Jonathan-Joe]

Although keeping the underground frequency the same would help give travellers more space TfL must plan on the assumption that the number of staff available will be fewer than usual.

[sandyRoe]

Using Trump's phrase, "China virus", is only going to make life harder for Asian people in our community.

[emmie]

they have cut a lot of the trains in London, taken by the government... with the Transport for London say so presumably

[royfromaus]

True, Sandy. It is, of course, acceptable if Democrats and every other Trump-hating organisation use that term.

[royfromaus]

In case you missed, Sandy.

https://twitter.com/mrctv/status/1238186498433966081

[Jonathan-Joe]

"taken by the government... with the Transport for London say so presumably" I would guess the other way round - operators are deciding to reduce services with government approval. As well as a shortage of staff, operators are suffering a loss of revenue so must reduce costs whether in the public or private sector.

[retrocop]

Just got this e-mail from tfl. Looks like tfl are reducing underground stations.


//Congestion Charge zone, LEZ and ULEZ temporarily suspended

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Dear Mr XXXXXXXXXX

From today, Monday 23 March, all road user charging schemes in London are temporarily suspended until further notice.

This move has been made to ensure London’s critical workers, particularly those in the NHS, are able to travel round London as easily as possible during this national emergency. It also supports the supply chain, the effort to keep supermarkets fully stocked and the city’s continued operation.

Government advice is that people need to limit social contact and travel should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary. The roads need to be kept clear for the emergency services and critical workers who need to get around by car. Drivers are asked to consider the wider implications when thinking about using their vehicles.

Public transport is still the best way for critical workers to travel where possible. To keep the network running TfL has reduced the number of stations open and are ensuring they are appropriately staffed. For some of these workers, in the current circumstances driving to work will be the simplest option, which is why the charges have been lifted.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Macleod
Customer Director