Passengers commuting on the Victoria Line, one of London Underground’s busiest routes, have been enduring scorching platform temperatures that have risen by almost a third in the past decade. Data from Transport for London (TfL) reveals that the average platform temperature in 2023 reached a sweltering 28.2°C, with temperatures surpassing 30°C between June and October.
While the Central and Bakerloo lines came in as the next warmest, with average temperatures of 26.7°C and 26.0°C respectively, commuters on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, District, and Metropolitan lines were spared the heat with a comparatively cooler average of 19.3°C, thanks to air-conditioning systems.
The dramatic increase in temperature has prompted TfL to take action. Over the past decade, TfL has embarked on a mission to cool down the Victoria Line by implementing various ventilation and cooling solutions. This includes doubling the capacity of the line’s ventilation shafts, effectively removing excess heat from the station and tunnel environment.
In just ten years, the Victoria Line has witnessed a staggering 29% rise in average platform temperature, from 21.9°C in 2013 to 28.2°C in 2023. TfL monitors the temperatures on the Tube diligently, using data loggers to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
Although the Freedom of Information request did not include data for the London Overground and Elizabeth lines, it did reveal 49 complaints regarding high temperatures on the Underground last year. Interestingly, there were also 15 grievances about the train cars being too cold.
As Londoners eagerly await relief from the stifling heat, TfL remains committed to finding innovative solutions to maintain a comfortable journey for its passengers. The installation of air-conditioning systems in more Underground lines is one of the proposed measures to tackle the rising temperatures.