Transport for London (TfL) has published updated Interchange Best Practice Guidelines, providing the latest guidance to help boroughs and other partners deliver high-quality transport interchanges across the capital.
The revised guidance – designed to help planners, developers and transport operators – reflects changes in policy and best practice since the previous edition was published in 2021with a renewed focus on inclusivity, safety, accessibility, and the quality of the area around stations and transport hubs.
London’s transport network includes around 600 Tube and rail stations and around 50 bus stations across the capital, with millions of journeys involving interchange between different modes of transport each year. The updated guidance has been designed to support organisations involved in planning and delivering interchange improvements, particularly during the early stages of project development.
It highlights the important role that high-quality interchanges play in enabling seamless journeys, encouraging sustainable travel and supporting economic growth. It also reinforces the need for transport facilities to be integrated with surrounding streets and public spaces – helping to create environments that are safe, comfortable and easy to navigate.
The revised guidelines incorporate principles from TfL’s Station Public Realm Design Guidance, and aligns these with a range of strategic policies, including the London Plan, the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and the Mayor’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. It also reflects TfL’s commitment to inclusive design and ensuring that London’s transport system works for everyone.
The updated guidelines also highlight the wide-ranging benefits of well-designed interchanges in helping to create safer, more comfortable and more accessible journeys for everyone. By improving connections between transport services and the communities they serve, high-quality interchanges can make journeys more reliable and efficient, encourage greater use of sustainable modes of transport, and support walking, wheeling and cycling as part of everyday travel.
They can also contribute to regeneration and economic growth while enhancing the quality of public spaces around stations and transport hubs, creating attractive and welcoming environments for customers and local communities alike. Retail and other facilities in stations can improve the amenity of local stations for public transport users and other local residents. Housing and other developments above stations can also be delivered as part of transformational programmes to improve the wider public realm.
Joseph Uzoka , growth interchange programme manager at TfL, said: “This updated guidance provides practical advice to support boroughs, developers and transport partners in creating transport hubs that are inclusive, accessible and easy to use while improving journeys across London’s transport network.
“Interchanges around Tube, rail and bus stations are a critical part of London’s transport network, helping people move between different modes of transport safely and efficiently. It’s therefore vital that we ensure they are designed to meet the latest needs for our customers, while also creating attractive and welcoming environments for all.”
Image credit: TfL
