London Railway and Tube Stations to Get Free Toilets

Transport for London plans to introduce new or revamped station toilets that will be free of charge for passengers.

London station toilets

According to the Evening Standard, Transport for London (TfL) plans to completely revamp the toilets or build entirely new facilities at 11 stations on the London Underground and Overground.

The plan is part of an effort to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of London’s public transport network, aiming to ensure passengers are within 20 minutes of a free toilet, without the hassle of needing to change lines to reach a public convenience.

The King’s Cross St Pancras station on the London Underground. ©AndyBTravels

New toilets

The TfL proposal includes converting disused ticket offices at Hammersmith station on the Piccadilly and District lines, as well as at Morden, the southern terminus of the Northern line, into free toilets.

Funding for the new or upgraded toilets comes from a £15 million pledge by London Mayor Sadiq Khan to enhance toilet facilities across the city’s public transport network.

Geographic inequality

The current availability of toilets on the London Underground and Overground network shows some geographical disparity, with access depending heavily on your location and the specific line you are travelling on.

The proposed plan for free toilets at the Morden location is expected to be of great benefit for people living in South London, as there are currently no toilets on the Underground south of London Bridge or Waterloo, except those on the Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station.

There are still fierce discussions about the lack of toilets on the relatively new Elizabeth Line as well.

Although there are toilet facilities at every station on the Elizabeth Line from Acton Main Line to Reading, between Stratford and Shenfield, and in the central section between Abbey Wood and Farringdon, all the trains on this line are controversially without on-board toilets.

Train on the Elizabeth Line. ©AndyBTravels

AndyB’s take

Although often overlooked by much of society, the availability of free toilets at stations and on trains is immensely important, as it improves the accessibility of public transport.

People who often need to use toilets, such as those with certain medical conditions, may find it difficult to travel without them.

AndyB says: “Toilets are an essential part of the travel experience, and the news that TfL will improve facilities at its stations is certainly welcome.

“Many people are unable or unwilling to travel due to the lack of toilets and this is a move to make transport more accessible.”