An artist has unveiled a creative reinterpretation of the London Underground map, showcasing how the network would appear if it prioritized stations in South London over those in the north. The new design illustrates a significant shift in the distribution of Tube stations, highlighting the disparities that have long existed between the two sides of the River Thames.
In the original configuration, over 250 stations serve North London, while only 33 stations are located south of the river. Recent additions to this number include the Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms stations, which opened on September 20, 2021, as part of the Northern Line Extension. Despite these improvements, many residents feel that South London remains underserved by the Underground network.
A New Perspective on Tube Accessibility
The artist, known as Colour Country, has created a map that shifts the focus southward, extending the network through areas such as Bromley and into Kent. Towns like Tunbridge Wells, West Malling, Sevenoaks, and Dartford are depicted as newly served by the Underground, illustrating a vision where South London gains equal footing with its northern counterpart.
In discussing this concept, the creator noted, “The London Underground map is rearranged so that South London gets most of the stations. The lines and the river are identical to the real Tube map, but rotated so that Castelnau exchanges places with the Isle of Dogs; the axis of the river’s rotational symmetry passes roughly through the London Eye.” This artistic approach not only highlights geographical disparities but also sparks conversations about urban planning and transport equity.
Understanding the North-South Divide
The historical reasons for the lack of Tube stations in South London stem from the original design of the Underground. Established to connect major railway terminals primarily located in North London, the initial network was built to alleviate road congestion in the area. Consequently, early stations were predominantly situated north of the Thames, while South London remained largely rural.
The terrain also played a critical role in this imbalance. The clay soil found in North London was ideal for constructing tunnels, while the harder ground in the south posed challenges for tunneling operations. Efforts to expand the Tube network into South London have faced significant obstacles. For instance, in 2017, Croydon Council expressed interest in extending the Tube from Lewisham to Elmers End and then to East Croydon. However, a report indicated that using existing rail connections would result in a slower service with fewer trains than what is currently provided by National Rail services.
The historical context is further complicated by the presence of major railway stations in North London, such as Kings Cross, Paddington, Euston, and St Pancras, which were established in the 1800s. These stations became critical hubs for commuters, leading to increased demand for a transport system that connected them to the city. Meanwhile, South London developed a robust National Rail network, built by smaller private firms, which served to complicate the situation further as the Tube began expanding southward.
Despite the challenges, the reimagined map by Colour Country serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding urban transport in London. It highlights the need for equitable infrastructure investment and encourages a broader understanding of the historical factors that have shaped the city’s transport landscape.
