What is the future of Thameslink's relationship with TfL's Tube Map?
Request ID: FOI-1431-2223 Date published: 28 September 2022
You asked
Hello there, just wanted to request you about a quick question I had about the Tube Map - which despite its name also includes the DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, Trams & Cable Car services, plus...
When a National Rail line called 'Thameslink’ was reintroduced on the Tube map (after 1987-1999) in December 2020, it had been announced that it was a 'temporary' measure to have added and included on the Tube map with its 63 stations served in London (alongside the Rail Services Maps which show all London Railway Lines) since December 2020 after 22 years of absence.
The reasons told were being to provide alternative (& step-free accessible) travel options over lockdowns of Covid, and later to provide alternative routes whilst the Northern Line's Bank branch was shut (Jan-May 2022). Now that both tasks have already been completed, could you let us know what have TfL decided on how to proceed further on this over 1 & a half years later?
- to remove the entire Thameslink national rail route from the Tube Map again like how it was removed in 1999?
- OR you've decided to continue showing it on the Tube Map permanently now as part of the Tube Map family?
- or keep the status-quo as it is for now until it will be finalised and decided later?
We answered
TfL Ref: 1431-2223
Thank you for your request received by us on 12 September 2022 asking for information about Thameslink's relationship with TfL's Tube Map.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. You asked:
When a National Rail line called 'Thameslink’ was reintroduced on the Tube map (after 1987-1999) in December 2020, it had been announced that it was a 'temporary' measure to have added and included on the Tube map with its 63 stations served in London (alongside the Rail Services Maps which show all London Railway Lines) since December 2020 after 22 years of absence.
The reasons told were being to provide alternative (& step-free accessible) travel options over lockdowns of Covid, and later to provide alternative routes whilst the Northern Line's Bank branch was shut (Jan-May 2022). Now that both tasks have already been completed, could you let us know what have TfL decided on how to proceed further on this over 1 & a half years later?
- to remove the entire Thameslink national rail route from the Tube Map again like how it was removed in 1999?
- OR you've decided to continue showing it on the Tube Map permanently now as part of the Tube Map family?
- or keep the status-quo as it is for now until it will be finalised and decided later?
We can advise that no decision has yet been taken regarding the future relationship of rail operator Thameslink and Transport for London’s Tube map. Whilst this will be reviewed at some point, we are currently unable to provide a specific timescale as to when this will occur in future.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
