London Tube Still Packed As Second Week Of Lockdown Begins

Frontline workers have once again taken to social media in frustration this morning, claiming London tubes and train stations remain packed as the second week of the coronavirus lockdown commences.

Last week, we told you how the London commute remained dangerous and overcrowded for many, despite the government's newly enforced lockdown measures.

And worryingly, in pictures shared on social media today, carriages still appeared to be full to the brim in rush hour, after the Mayor announced that he was reducing services.

Alongside a snap of a bustling station, one Twitter user wrote: "Tube stations too full! How are frontline NHS workers getting to work safely. It's a joke".

While another shared a video of her platform filled to the brim, complaining: "On my way to the hospital in a tube that is so packed that not everyone is able to fit in first tube.

"This many people essential workers? This many people who need the tube? If so - why are we reducing service and making them more cramped? @tfl #covid19UK #london #StayHome".

A third chipped in: "I am a frontline NHS worker and this is how I have to travel to work due to @TfL reducing their service and people ignoring the #StayHome message. Absolutely disgusting..."

TFL told Tyla that the temporary crowding seen in the pictures above was due to a defective train on the jubilee line, which has since been fixed.

"We are sorry that a defective train caused a gap in the Jubilee line service for a short time earlier this morning. This was quickly fixed," they said.

The angry response comes not long after London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged employers to support staff in working from home, starkly warning: "ignoring the rules means more lives lost".

While Health Secretary Matt Hancock criticised Transport for London for reducing the frequency of trains, and urged that they should still be running at "maximum capacity" so that people could socially distance, the Mayor explained that this was simply not possible.

He said the tubes would have to keep running a reduced service, intended for key workers only, because one third of TFL staff were sick or self-isolating.

Insisting that it was the government's responsibility to hammer in the 'stay at home' message and ban non-essential construction workers from continuing to commute as normal, Sadiq Khan added that they also had a responsibility to support those on zero hour contracts so they don't have to leave the house.

Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), told the BBC: "Sadly, the situation on the London Underground has not improved.

"We urgently need British Transport Police and other officers at major stations across London's transport network to ensure only those with a valid reason to travel are doing so in this emergency."

Last week, the Prime Minister announced that the British public should only be leaving the house for essential food supplies, exercising alone - or, with members of their household only - medical appointments or travelling to and from work if you're a key worker.

BBC)

Boris Johnson said that those who could feasibly work at home, should be. He also shut non-essential shops except food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, vets, newsagents, banks and undertakers.

Gatherings of more than two people - except for those in the same household - were also banned.

For more information on the measures included in the lockdown, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

Topics: Coronavirus

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman