London Underground
The London Underground is the world’s first underground railway. With over 5 million passenger journeys taking place each day, the Underground is made up of 272 stations, 11 different lines, and over 250 miles of tracks, with 543 trains in service during peak times. Affectionately nicknamed the Tube by generations of Londoners, it is an icon of the nation’s capital.
When human factors professionals think of the Underground system, they think of the different trains running, the lines and tracks they travel on, and the signalling and engineering needed to make them run. They think of staff members working across the network and the equipment that they use to keep everyone safe. They think of how different passengers navigate their journeys from street level to train, and from station to station, and the signage and information they need to get around.
Discover how different passengers have different needs, and how human factors thinking can help the whole system stay on track.
All Aboard
Each of the Tube’s 272 stations is designed for a variety of needs: from safety and efficiency in journeys and handling ever increasing passenger numbers, to advertising opportunities and a celebration of London’s rich culture, heritage, and diverse communities. Human factors keeps everything in balance.
A friendly face
Staff play an important part in the London Transport system, providing safety, security, information and assistance.
A well-oiled machine
Beyond the clever design of stations, maps, and trains, the Underground supports different types of users by providing additional information. These can be step-free access guides, or further information about getting help on your journey. You can even signal to other passengers that you are pregnant by wearing a 'baby on board' badge. These items all help the network run smoothly and cater for different users. What kind of user are you? How might you use the network?
Stand on the right
After purchasing tickets and selecting the right line, Underground passengers use escalators to descend to platforms. But these can be dangerous, and accidents are often severe for vulnerable groups such as children or the elderly. Encouraging safe use is crucial.
