An artist has unveiled an imaginative redesign of the London Underground map, illustrating how the system would appear if the north-south divide were inverted. The new map prioritizes South London, significantly increasing the number of stations in that area compared to North London, where the majority of the existing Tube stations are located.
Currently, the Tube network serves over 250 stations north of the River Thames, while only 33 stations cater to the south. This disparity has long been a point of contention for residents along the proposed Bakerloo line extension route. The two most recent additions to the south side of the Thames, Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms, opened on September 20, 2021 as part of the Northern line Extension, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve transport links in the area.
Reimagining the Map
The map, created by Colour Country, reconfigures the Tube network to extend through Bromley and into Kent, adding new stations in towns such as Tunbridge Wells, West Malling, Sevenoaks, and Dartford. The concept was explained by the map’s creator, who noted that while the lines and river remain identical to the actual Tube map, they are rotated so that Castelnau exchanges places with the Isle of Dogs. The creator remarked, “The London Underground map, rearranged so that South London gets most of the stations.”
Interestingly, both this redesigned map and the original feature Kew Gardens and Silvertown stations at opposite ends of the North (South?) London Line, a coincidence that underscores the creative reimagining of the network.
Historical Context of the North-South Divide
The limited number of Tube stations in South London can be traced back to the network’s original design, which aimed to connect major railway terminals. These terminals were predominantly located in North London, leading to the construction of the earliest Tube stations north of the Thames. As London expanded in the 1930s, areas like Edgware emerged as suburban hubs, benefiting from improved transport links. Unfortunately, South London did not receive the same level of infrastructure investment.
The historical context reveals that the original city of London, established by the Romans, was situated north of the River Thames. Consequently, growing areas like Croydon and Clapham, which are now densely populated, were largely rural at the time of the Underground’s inception. The demand for transport was concentrated in the north, prompting the construction of stations in those regions.
The geographical conditions further complicated the expansion of the Tube network into the south. The softer clay soil in North London was ideal for tunnel construction, while the harder ground in the south posed significant challenges. In 2017, Croydon Council expressed interest in extending the Tube from Lewisham to Elmers End and East Croydon. However, a report indicated that any new Underground route using existing rail connections would result in slower service compared to the current National Rail services.
Impact on Transport Infrastructure
The abundance of Tube stations in North London can also be attributed to the presence of several major railway stations established during the 1800s, such as Kings Cross, Paddington, Euston, and St Pancras. Following a ruling by the Royal Commission in 1846 that limited train access to the City of London, these stations became the final stop for many commuters. As road congestion worsened, the need for alternative transport options between the City and these stations paved the way for the London Underground’s development.
Despite fewer Tube stations, South London boasts a comprehensive National Rail network. In the 19th century, smaller private companies were constructing an intricate rail system in the south, which led to a scenario where the Underground was playing catch-up as it began expanding southward.
The reimagined map presents an opportunity for dialogue about transport equity in London. As the city continues to grow and evolve, discussions around infrastructure investment and the balance of services across the river remain pertinent.
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