TfL launches tunnels map to help those with claustrophobia

Londoners with claustrophobia or other anxiety conditions could find Tube journeys less stressful from Wednesday, as Transport for London launched a new map indicating which stations and parts of the TfL underground and rail network were in tunnels.

The local government body - the part of the Greater London Authority responsible for public transport and major roads in the capital - said the new addition to its selection of downloadable Tube maps would help customers navigate the network more comfortably, by showing them routes they could take to avoid areas with large stretches of tunnels.

It said that, while there are 270 stations on the Tube network, more than half are above ground, and only the Victoria line and the short Waterloo & City shuttle are entirely subterranean.

“Making the Tube network accessible for everyone is one of our top priorities,” said TfL director of customer strategy Mark Evers.

“This new map is just one of the tools we have created in response to feedback from our customers on how we can make the transport network more accessible, making travelling easier and more comfortable for all our customers.”

In the new design, areas of the Tube, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and TfL Rail network which are underground are overlaid in grey.

TfL said the tunnels map had been created following suggestions from customers living with claustrophobia or anxiety conditions, who were finding it difficult using the Tube.

“For those with anxiety conditions such as panic attacks and claustrophobia, we know that travel by the underground can be problematic and challenging,” commented Anxiety UK chief executive Nicky Lidbetter.

“This new map is an excellent resource for those wishing to avoid journeys where there are tunnels; serving as a great pre-journey planning aid and increasing access to public transport.

“I sincerely hope that the map will encourage those with claustrophobia and/or panic attacks who have previously avoided this form of public transport out of fear, to re-consider their use of the Tube.”

The new TfL tunnels map can be found at the TfL website.