London Underground and Elizabeth line station set to become badly crowded as TfL plans upgrades

Transport for London (TfL) has said it fears 'congestion, delays and worsening journey times' at a major Underground station. Therefore, it is enacting changes at the interchange, officials say.

Stratford station is next to the area's Westfield shopping centre, and provides Jubilee line and Central line Tube services, as well as Elizabeth line, Overground, DLR and National Rail trains. It straddles Zones 2 and 3.

Bosses say the number of passengers using the interchange is expected to increase. Therefore, consultants have been appointed, and there will be 'interventions' to mitigate the impact of the trend.

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Committee documents published this summer state: "Due to existing and planned growth, Stratford station is forecast to experience congestion, delays and worsening journey times, especially during peak periods. Together with rail industry stakeholders, we are investigating and implementing short and medium-term interventions to divert passenger flows from pinch points at entrances, ticket halls, subways and staircases."

New entrance is just the start

They add: "This includes a new southwestern entrance, [which opened] in spring 2024. We are also working with the London Legacy Development Corporation, Network Rail, London borough of Newham and other stakeholders to continue the development of the Strategic Outline Business Case for further enhancements.

"Consultants have now been appointed for a year-long programme of work to consider the scale of the challenge, design options and a funding package to enhancements identified. Beyond station capacity, other key considerations include enhancements to the passenger experience, accessibility, inclusion and local connectivity."

The new southwestern entrance was opened at Stratford station in July. It provides direct access from Gibbins Lane to the station, and is adjacent to the Jubilee line platform 13 and DLR services to Stratford International, with step-free facilities within the main station concourse. This entrance will reportedly be closed during London Stadium events, but other Stratford station entrances will be open as usual.

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