We always knew London was a living being, and now we've got the proof.
Tube HeartBeat is an interactive map that uses TfL's tube data to visually chart the quietest, and busiest, times of the day.
The more people using the network, the more London 'pulsates'. So while everything's nice and relaxed at 5am...
...by 8.30am London looks like it's going to have a massive coronary:
It'll be interesting to see the map with updated data in a few months' time, when the night tube is at capacity.
Here's some other things to look out for in the map:
- Peak time at Leicester Square is after 10pm — the tube is a popular way to get back to homes and hotels after a night at the theatre.
- Closing museums cause an early peak in South Kensington, while shoppers on Oxford Street can also be seen in the stats.
- School kids cause spikes in usage across certain quieter stations, particularly in outer London.
- West Ham's morning peak entry is an hour before everyone else. Other stations have two morning peaks.
- Some places are changing character. Stratford now has almost as many people arriving as leaving in the morning peak.
Have a play around for yourself.
