Culture

 

British Queen celebrates

 

Bank station, one of London Underground's busiest hubs in the City, has undergone a £700m upgrade that took seven years to complete. The station now boasts a spacious and accessible

entrance and ticket hall, increasing its capacity by 40% and making it easier to navigate for commuters. The overhaul has transformed the notoriously labyrinthine interchange into a world-class station that is fit for the most important financial district in Europe.

According to Andy Lord, London's transport commissioner, the completion of the Bank station upgrade marks "a hugely important moment for the Square Mile, which is now served by a modern, accessible station with vastly improved capacity." The works have enhanced the station's accessibility and functionality, making it easier for commuters to move in and out of the station with ease.

While the opening of the station marks a significant milestone in London's transport system, Tube passenger numbers on weekdays are currently at around 75-80% of pre-pandemic levels. However, journeys to City stations such as Bank are still lower, at about 70%. At weekends, some central London stations are busier than before Covid, according to Transport for London.

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, welcomed the station's transformation, describing it as "like brand-new, just fantastic." He emphasized the importance of having public transport that is fit for purpose, especially in an area as significant as the City. He also warned that the government's failures to invest in public transport could jeopardize future infrastructure projects. Photo by Romazur, Wikimedia commons.