The voice of London Assembly member Elly Baker highlights the urgent need for improved funding to refurbish and replace aging escalators on the London Underground. Baker, who serves as the transport spokesperson for the City Hall Labour group, emphasized that prioritizing this infrastructure is essential for achieving the mayor’s active transport goals.
Recent data obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed that 153 of the 566 escalators on the Underground, which accounts for over a quarter, are operating beyond their expected lifespan. This situation raises concerns about the reliability of the escalators and their impact on public transport usage.
Current Funding and Maintenance Practices
According to the mayor’s office, Transport for London (TfL) allocated £56.1 million for escalator-related expenditures in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This amount includes £38.6 million for operational costs and £17.5 million dedicated to upgrading and modernizing the escalators. Additionally, TfL reported spending £1.3 million on reactive maintenance call-outs for escalators during the same period.
„It’s really important that we make sure escalators are working on the Tube – [but] I am concerned that TfL aren’t giving it enough of a priority,“ Baker stated.
Baker pointed out that City Hall has set a target for 80% of journeys in London to be made by foot, bicycle, or public transport by 2041. However, she expressed concern that the current maintenance strategy, which has shifted from a refurbishment model after 20 years and complete replacement after 40 years to a risk-based approach, is leading to more escalators going out of service unexpectedly.
Impact on Public Transport Usage
This shift in maintenance strategy, according to Baker, risks discouraging people from using the transport network altogether. She cited the example of Woolwich Arsenal DLR Station, where three out of four escalators were out of service last year, including one at the Greens End entrance that remains broken.
A spokesperson for TfL responded by stating that 95% of escalators are available for passenger use, despite high demand. They noted that a small number of escalators may be temporarily out of service or subject to increased maintenance and inspection to ensure reliability.
„Funding for replacing these highly complex machines is subject to a prioritization process which examines assets across the whole TfL network, looking at customer usage and the latest safety and condition assessments,“ the spokesperson explained.
As discussions continue regarding the state of escalators on the London Underground, the call for enhanced investment and prioritization remains a critical issue for both the public and city officials.
Quellen: bbc.co.uk
Bildquelle: Helena Lopes auf Pexels
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