TfL Tube: More air-conditioning needed on trains and increased late-night staffing, say Londoners

More air-conditioning and more staff late at night are needed to improve the Tube network, according to Londoners.

Transport for London (TfL), which runs the Underground services in the capital, recently announced it has rolled out 4G and 5G mobile coverage to several West End stations as it continues to expand the network across the city.

The first Elizabeth line stations are also expected to have coverage by the end of this year, with the whole of the Tube to benefit by the end of 2024.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he is “delighted” to see the progress, with Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road, two of those to be hooked up to 4G and 5G, “joining an ever-growing network of lines and stations with full connectivity”.

While the news is undoubtedly welcome for anyone needing to get online during their commute, how key is the rollout of the network, and what else do Londoners want to see improved on the Tube?

Michael

“There needs to be more bodies on the ground, more staff around,” said Michael, speaking to LondonWorld outside Highbury and Islington station.

Michael said some places, especially in south London, are often unsafe late at night, as ticket offices are closed and passengers have to enter stations by side entrances.

“Not a good look,” he added. “If I was a woman, I wouldn’t be too happy about that. But they need to have more staff around in the evenings.”

Simeon and Oz

For Simeon and Oz, the priority was a shared one; better air-conditioning.

Simeon said the Tube needs “air-con pretty badly”, describing the network during the summer as “a pretty awful experience all-round”.

Oz told LondonWorld: “Air-conditioning for sure. It’s too hot, always, every summer, so definitely would try and get air-con.” She said she would prefer air conditioning to 4G.

Nadia

Nadia said she is concerned the coverage roll-out may result in people talking more loudly when commuting.

Trevor

Trevor said he would like to see more water dispensers available on platforms.

Tube temperatures

Average temperatures on the Central and Victoria lines last August both exceeded 31C, reported the Evening Standard, with the latter never dropping below an average of 24C all year round.

The coolest line was the Waterloo and City, which had an average monthly high of 25C.

Air-conditioned trains were in use on 40% of the network, TfL said, with new stock due to be introduced on the Piccadilly line from 2025 also to be kitted out.

There has been a recent push for more toilets on the Tube network, with Green London Assembly Member (AM) Caroline Russell calling for greater provisions.

Mark Evers, chief customer officer at TfL, told LondonWorld the authority is “in the early stage of work to improve and expand toilet facilities on our network”.