London Releases Tunnels Map for Claustrophobic Tube Riders

Transport for London has responded to customer requests for a new accessibility measure: a map to help riders avoid long tunnels.

1 minute read

July 20, 2017, 5:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


London Underground

pisaphotography / Shutterstock

Fewer than half of the London Underground's 270 stations are actually underground, reports Metro Magazine. But sections that are can be uncomfortable, and make it especially difficult for claustrophobic or anxious transit riders to use the system (especially together with reported poor air quality in the subway cars).

To improve accessibility for all riders, Transport for London has published a new map highlighting parts of the transit network that are underground and suggesting routes that avoid long stretches of tunnels.

In the new design, parts of the lines have been given a grey overlay to illustrate which stations or sections of track are underground. The new map also shows which London Overground, DLR and TfL Rail services are in tunnels.

The tunnels map was initially suggested in customer feedback, and is part of TfL's broader campaign to improve user experience. Consultants in that effort are now working in California's Culver City, where a new Metro line is booming even as transit ridership in Los Angeles and throughout the nation continues to decline.

Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Metro Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

1 hour ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

2 hours ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

3 hours ago - The Texas Tribune