TfL finally updates travel app and station signs to make London Underground and Overground closures clearer

The updates will ensure commuters can access 'a more accurate view of the network'

Transport for London (TfL) has updated its free TfL Go travel app and digital displays in its stations which, officials say, makes it easier for users to see whether their journey will be impacted by disruption on the Tube and other rail services.

The application now greys out sections of the live network map that are closed due to engineering works or unplanned disruption. It also highlights sections of the live rail map that are experiencing minor or severe delays.

In addition, bosses say that step-free information on TfL’s in-station Underground status displays has recently been improved "to make it easier for customers to see when there is no step-free access at stations". The information is now provided at a line, direction and platform level, 'providing a more accurate view of the network and allowing customers to make better journey planning decisions'.

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A spokesperson for the authority said: "The free TfL Go app is the easiest way to plan your journey around London while on the move. The app, which has been downloaded more than four million times since it launched, was developed in-house by TfL and provides real-time information for buses, trams, Tube and TfL rail services in a mobile-friendly way, as well as offering walking and cycling options across London.

"The app was designed with accessibility top-of-mind, and shows not only the live step-free status of stations but also where accessible journeys can be made within stations to specific platforms, including interchanging between lines. Customers can also use iOS and Android voiceover and dynamic typing to navigate the app.

Earlier this year, TfL added fares information into the journey planner feature within TfL Go. Last year, TfL added ‘widgets’, which can be added to the home or lock screen of any iPhone or Android device, and customised by customers for a line that they wish to see live status for, or see the service status on all TfL services.

The spokesperson said: "In summer 2021, TfL also added real-time information on how busy London Underground stations were at any particular point of the day, using aggregated and depersonalised data from TfL’s WiFi network. Historically, TfL has used ticketing data to understand travel patterns on the network, with quiet times data in TfL Go based largely on data from TfL’s Oyster and contactless ticketing system , which records entry and exits at stations.

"This innovative update allowed TfL to factor in how busy platforms and interchange points are to overall crowding within a station, which is displayed both when users tap on a specific station, or shown when planning a journey.

"TfL also continues to deliver 4G and 5G coverage within stations and tunnels across the London Underground, with more than 10 per cent of stations with platforms that are underground, and therefore usually unable to get a mobile signal, now having high-speed mobile coverage.

"Coverage is already live on the eastern section of the Jubilee line between Westminster and Canning Town, between Archway and Camden Town on the Northern line and between Holland Park and Queensway on the Central line, with more stations and tunnels across Central London set to be connected in the coming months."

Ben Gammon, Head of Digital at TfL, said: “These latest updates to the TfL Go app and our in-station digital displays will further help customers see more easily if there are any delays on Tube or TfL rail services. By providing up-to-date information on journeys, as well as detailed accessibility information, we can help make it easier for customers to move around the city.”

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