New London tube map designed to help people with claustrophobia and anxiety

People with claustrophobia and other anxiety conditions could find their journeys less stressful by using a Transport for London map that shows which stations and sections of its network are underground

A new addition to Transport for London’s selection of downloadable tube maps may help customers who suffer from anxiety-related conditions navigate the network more comfortably. It shows routes that avoid areas with large stretches of tunnels.

There are 270 stations on the city’s tube network, but more than half are actually above ground. Onle the Victoria and Waterloo and City lines are entirely underground. In the new design, parts of the lines on Harry Beck’s iconic map have been given a grey overlay to illustrate which stations or sections of track are underground. The new map also shows which London Overground, DLR and TfL Rail services are in tunnels.

The tunnels map was released this week following suggestions from customers living with claustrophobia or anxiety conditions who find it difficult using the tube. Its introduction has been welcomed by charities.

Nicky Lidbetter, chief executive of Anxiety UK, said: “For those with anxiety conditions such as panic attacks and claustrophobia, we know that travelling using the underground can be problematic and challenging. 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.”

For those with anxiety conditions such as panic attacks and claustrophobia, we know that travelling using the underground can be problematic and challenging

Earlier this year, TfL launched the new Please Offer Me a Seat badge to help disabled customers and those with hidden conditions, illnesses and injuries, find a seat on public transport more easily.

The map can be downloaded here.


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