Click for full sized image
Let’s face it, the Tube in 2014 is crowded enough! So how much worse is it likely to get by 2031? Well if the map above from the London Infrastructure Plan 2050: Transport Supporting Paper is to be believed, probably a fair bit worse.
Several sections look to have more than 4 people standing per square meter during the AM peak. If you already commute into busy hubs like London Bridge, Waterloo, Bank, etc. in the morning, you probably won’t notice a huge difference as trains are already at capacity. However, you may end up spending more of your journey time cheek by jowl with your fellow commuters in 2031.
Some interesting and unexpected bits set to be extremely crowded include:
- The Northern line near Kentish Town (not good if I’m still working in the area 17 years from now).
- The Central line starting all the way out at Leytonstone (not good if you’re only getting on a Stratford)
- The Central line also bizarrely looks set to get a bit busier between Grange Hill and Hainault.
- Small sections of the shared Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines between Baker Street and Euston Square and also from Liverpool Street to Aldgate look to be very crowded.
- The Metropolitan line also looks to have a small busy section in zone 7 until Moor Park.
- The District line looks to be crowded from Putney Bridge to St. James’s Park.
- Finally, the Victoria line looks like it will be just as busy as ever.
Other things to note include:
- The lack of Overground and Crossrail (which should hopefully be open by 2031) on the map; but the inclusion of the DLR.
- Looks like the Metropolitan branch line to Watford Junction has been included (and will thankfully not be too busy) but the Northern line to Battersea has not.
- Those living at the ends of most lines will still be able to get a seat in the morning.
Still want to live here in 2031? Then Read:
Moving to London? The Ultimate Living & Working Guide
Do you think you’ll be better or worse off in 2031? Have your say in the comments section below: