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Ever been wandering down an Elizabeth line platform and spotted the eery, human-shaped dark patches lining its walls? As the newest addition to the city’s train network, the Lizzie line has some of London’s freshest looking platforms. But the mysterious black marks began appearing on the line’s bright white walls around 18 months after it first opened in 2022.
No, they’re not spooky signs from deceased Londoners, they’re stains from thousands of dirty backs, heads and backpacks (ew). Now, TfL has come up with a way to get rid of the gross grease and grime ghosts. It’s cleaning and covering them up with colourful vinyl figures inspired by the pattern of the purple upholstery on the Elizabeth line trains.
The solution comes after the issue was raised by Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat on the London Assembly back in January. She asked TfL is ensuring the walls are regularly cleaned so that ‘the stations remain fresh for decades to come’. TfL trialled a bunch of different ways to solve the issue throughout 2024 before decided that these posters would be the most effective and sustainable.
Howard Smith, the Elizabeth line director, said ‘The Elizabeth line has had a transformational effect since opening, providing new, accessible journey options for customers, including at new central London stations.
‘These stylish new moquette-inspired designs will enhance the customer experience by protecting the areas behind the seats.’
So far, the funky moquettes have been put up on the Elizabeth line platforms at Bond Street, Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street.
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