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We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but Walthamstow locals could have to face some chaotic morning commutes for a while.
On January 9, TfL shut down the escalators at the busy Blackhorse Road tube station on the Victoria line so that they can be replaced as part of essential maintenance works. Commuters will have to walk down to the platform via the station’s fixed staircase.
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The escalators will be taken out one at a time, with one always in place to work upwards, ensuring customers can be evacuated from the platforms in case of an emergency. TfL warns that the escalator closures could last until late June.
This has received intense backlash, though. Some commuters argue that TfL should allow both escalators to be turned on during rush hour to avoid overcrowding and lengthy queues.
A TfL spokesperson released a statement that encouraged customers to ‘travel at less busy times or to use [their] travel planning tools to take alternative routes.’
The closure of the downward escalator has resulted in lengthy queues that can snake onto the street during busy times. For commuters who are unable to use the 89 steps that take you down to the platform, it has left them with no access to the Victoria Line from this station for six months.
Those commuters have been advised to take buses such as the 230 or 120 to Walthamstow Central or Tottenham Hale to access step-free platforms. However, many argue this makes their journey times much longer.
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, who shared the news on social media, said she has reached out to TfL to discuss ways to minimise the impact on locals.
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