Transport for London (TfL), Network Rail and Google have launched Google Street View within stations across central London.
TfL said that customers can now access the virtual representations of locations within 18 stations across the Tube, Elizabeth line and Network Rail stations – including Oxford Circus, London Bridge and Tottenham Court Road, with a further 18 stations live before the end of the year.
The project, which started a year ago, has involved Google capturing 360-degree images inside a number of London Underground and Elizabeth Line stations across central London, as well as at Network Rail stations where they interconnect with TfL services.
The company’s blurring technology was then automatically applied to blur identifiable faces to protect customers’ and staff’s privacy.
TfL said that providing a virtual representation of busy stations will help customers get a better sense of the layout when planning journeys or interchanging between train lines. It will also help them to more easily identify key facilities such as lifts, toilets, benches and help points.
In addition, customers will be able to see the routes through these stations before they travel.
Accessibility factor
Early feedback from accessibility stakeholders including TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group and the Inclusive Transport Forum has helped inform the project, and indicated that being able to see within stations before visiting them will be beneficial to customers with accessibility needs or those unfamiliar with travelling in the capital.
The project also supports the delivery of Equity in Motion, TfL’s customer inclusion strategy, as part of the mayor's transport strategy.
Seb Dance, Greater London’s deputy mayor for transport, said: “I’m pleased that Google Street View has arrived at some of London’s busiest stations. Now, customers can plan their routes on the London Underground in the same way they would when walking and cycling, helping us to build a better, fairer London for all.”
Debbie Weinstein, vice president and managing director for Google UK and Ireland, said: “By combining Google's Street View technology with TfL and Network Rail's expertise, we're breaking new ground in transport accessibility and wayfinding.”
