The Anonymous Widower

Do We Need Big Arrows In Underground Stations?

Last night, as I was coming back from Burnley, I deliberately got to the front of the train and walked straight out through the gates at Kings Cross station.  You can see how the square is coming together and soon, you’ll walk straight out and to either the buses or the Underground entrance on Euston Road.

There is a passageway, through the site and I used it to get to the Underground,down the steps and escalator to the Northern line platform for the Angel.

one of the peculiarities of the London Underground, is that unlike many metros in the world, trains don’t necessarily arrive on the platform in the same direction. For example Southbound trains on the Northern line at the Angel, arrive from left to right, whereas those on the Victoria line at Highbury and Islington station, arrive from right to left.  I think the Victoria line is the most inconsistent, with Northbound trains at Highbury and Islington station, arriving from left to right.

At Kings Cross yesterday, I wanted to make sure I was in the rear section of the train, as this would mean I didn’t have to walk a long way back down the platform. I walk pretty straight these days, but I do think it is safer to get off the platform as quickly as possible.

There is no indication at Kings Cross to say from which direction the trains will arrive and i think it would be a good idea, if this was indicated on the platforms.  Perhaps a big arrow above the adverts or a little sign saying from which direction the trains arrive.

It would have two effects.

Like with me yesterday, you’d probably be more likely to get in the right carriage for your home station.

But also because it would forewarn passengers of the direction of trains, it might be just that bit safer, and we got a few less accidents on the platforms.

Note that Transport for London already announce on the Victoria line, which side the doors open at each station to help passengers, so it wouldn’t be that radical.

May 5, 2013 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Health and Safety, King's Cross Station, London Underground