Request ID: FOI-1474-2425 Date published: 15 August 2024
You asked
I have noticed that while some stations across the TfL network feature bilingual signage to assist non-English speaking passengers, the Edgware Road stations do not have bilingual Arabic-English signs.
Given the significant Arabic-speaking population in the Edgware Road area, I believe that the inclusion of bilingual signs would greatly benefit both residents and visitors, enhancing their travel experience and ensuring clearer communication for those who may not be proficient in English.
Stations such as Southall, which feature bilingual Punjabi-English signs, have demonstrated how effective such measures can be in improving accessibility and inclusivity. The absence of similar considerations at Edgware Road stations is therefore perplexing.
Could you kindly provide an explanation as to why bilingual Arabic-English signs have not been implemented at the Edgware Road stations? Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could outline any plans TfL may have to address this matter in the near future.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-1474-2425/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5 August 2024 asking for information about bilingual signage at Edgware Road Stations.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
The application of the additional language at Whitechapel was agreed to as it has the rather unique position of being the only station in London where English is not the predominate language spoken in the local area. A request was received from the local authority who agreed to pay for the installation.
Southall is an adopted Network Rail station with legacy dual language signs that date back to the 1990s. When the Elizabeth Line took over the line we updated the legacy signs.
TfL as an organisation has no future plans to make any further stations dual language but would consider requests from the local council. If agreed the council would have to decide what language they would want to use as we wouldn't do more than one. They would also be responsible for the costs of translating building and installing the new signs.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
