London Underground have taken the unusual step of warning tube travellers to avoid Victoria Tube station in rush hour for the next year.
But this time it’s not down to a stinky station – it’s all because of redevelopment work and LU say that to prevent more overcrowding than usual, commuters should find other routes. St James’ Park and Sloane Square tube stations are being suggested for Circle and District Line users though we find that simply walking is often quicker than using the Circle Line. Unlucky Victoria Line passengers must hop on a bus to Green Park or Pimlico instead. And it’s not just tube travellers being told to go elsewhere – National Rail passengers are being directed to London Bridge, Elephant and Castle, Cannon Street or Vauxhall.
Just to further discourage people from using the station, the ticket offices will close between 4pm and 8pm, one of the big escalators will be taken out of action for refurbishment and the remaining two will only bring people up from the platforms. If you’re really determined to travel from Victoria, then you’ll find yourself getting acquainted with a warren of stairways and passages to wend your way trainward.
Station improvements are a never-ending headache for LU and commuters alike – travellers using Bank can testify to the seemingly ceaseless escalator works and diversions and there’s more to come. We know it’s all for the greater good but when we’re slogging home on a rainy rubbish Monday we can’t help but think uncharitable thoughts about the people making the journey more difficult. Work starts on Monday 31 January so start planning your alternative routes now.
Check out the plans for a new Victoria station here.
