London Underground Station Closures and Unstaffed Stations
Request ID: FOI-2386-2223 Date published: 23 January 2023
You asked
How many stations in LU were unstaffed in the period of 01 October to 20 December 2022 – which stations were unstaffed and how many times did the stations become unstaffed? – please specify the reason for the station being unstaffed.
When Stations are unstaffed – how would an emergency situation be handled such as a fire, trespasser on the track or a terrorist incident?
Further, how many stations in LU were closed in the period of 01 October to 20 December 2022 for absence/unavailability of station staff – what stations were closed and how many times did the respective stations close?
Further, could you specify what contingency arrangements LU Employing and Duty Managers use to avoid stations being unstaffed and closed?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2386-2223
Thank you for your request received on 21 December 2022 asking for information about London Underground station closures and unstaffed stations.. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. We aim to minimise closures as far as possible and strive to always exhaust all avenues before making the decision to close a station. However, on some occasions it is unavoidable, and due to safety regulations we may not have the option of having certain stations remaining open without staff. You asked: • How many stations in LU were unstaffed in the period of 01 October to 20 December 2022 – which stations were unstaffed and how many times did the stations become unstaffed? – please specify the reason for the station being unstaffed. • Further, how many stations in LU were closed in the period of 01 October to 20 December 2022 for absence/unavailability of station staff – what stations were closed and how many times did the respective stations close? This information is available in the performance data accessible to you via this link: https://transportforlondon.sharepoint.com/sites/HeartBeat In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere. • When Stations are unstaffed – how would an emergency situation be handled such as a fire, trespasser on the track or a terrorist incident? In an emergency situation the Train Operator would report this to Service Control, which, working with the London Underground Control Centre (LUCC), would dispatch appropriate resources to deal with the incident including relevant authorities such as the London Fire Brigade or British Transport Police (BTP). The BTP are co-located in the LUCC. • Further, could you specify what contingency arrangements LU Employing and Duty Managers use to avoid stations being unstaffed and closed? Employing and Duty Managers review staffing levels regularly to avoid stations being unstaffed. They would only leave a station unstaffed or close the station after exhausting the use of overtime, requesting support from staff from other stations or our Special Requirements Team. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
