Transport for London (TfL), Network Rail, and Google have teamed up to introduce Google Street View within central London stations, making journey planning even more convenient.
Now, customers can explore Google Street View in 18 stations across the Tube, Elizabeth line, and Network Rail stations, including popular spots like Oxford Circus, London Bridge, and Tottenham Court Road. By the end of the year, an additional 18 stations will be added.
This initiative, which began a year ago, involved Google capturing 360-degree images inside various London Underground and Elizabeth line stations in central London, as well as Network Rail stations that connect with TfL services. To ensure privacy, Google's technology automatically blurs identifiable faces.
Offering a virtual view of some of London's busiest stations helps customers better understand station layouts when planning their journeys or switching between train lines. It also makes it easier to locate key facilities such as lifts, toilets, benches, and help points.
With Google Street View, customers can preview their routes through these stations before traveling, similar to how they would plan walking or cycling routes across London. Feedback from accessibility stakeholders, including TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group and the Inclusive Transport Forum, has highlighted the benefits for customers with accessibility needs or those unfamiliar with traveling in the capital. This project also aligns with the goals of Equity in Motion, TfL’s customer inclusion strategy, as part of the Mayor's Transport Strategy.
The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “I’m pleased that Google Street View has arrived at some of London’s busiest stations. Now, customers can plan their routes on the London Underground in the same way they would when walking and cycling, helping us to build a better, fairer London for all.”
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, said: "The London Underground has always been a place of innovation and we’re proud to work with Google and Network Rail to continue this strong tradition of bringing innovative technology to customers. By working with Google to bring Street View to our stations, our customers will now be able to more easily plan their journey through our stations with confidence. This project also supports our wider Equity in Motion ambition to improving signage and wayfinding, helping people to better navigate some of the capital's busiest stations and help us to build a better, more equitable London."
Malcolm Pitt, Network Rail’s Head of Customer Experience and Accessibility, said: “Travelling on the rail network should be for everyone; we want to empower all passengers, including those with disabilities, to travel with greater autonomy. Planning and ensuring the best journey can be overwhelming, especially when busy stations and interchanges are involved. Partnering with Google and Transport for London to bring Street View to our London stations will provide clear and accessible information that will give passengers the confidence to travel and make their journeys as simple and seamless as possible.”
Across London, TfL is also working to improve access to the internet while on the move. All stations have free WiFi for customers and work is also currently underway to provide 4G and 5G connectivity within stations and tunnels across the Tube and Elizabeth line. Coverage is now available at all Elizabeth line stations and new sections of the London Underground, meaning that customers can stay in contact with friends and family while on the move, as well as use online tools such as Google Street View while travelling to ensure they take the best, most convenient route.
Image credits: Transport for London
