As people trickle back to work, and how to manage social distancing is being carefully reviewed, we have been speaking to our local railway station managers about their plans.  Station managers have been mandated to implement crowd flow management plans to minimise the risks of people being in close proximity (although of course these cannot be fully eliminated).

West Norwood station: a one-way system could be put into place, and the three entrances could be easily transformed with the main entrance on Knights’ Hill becoming ‘Entry Only’. All options are being considered and we will let you know the outcome when we hear more.

Tulse Hill station: presents more of a challenge due to the narrow subway and the footbridge. The basic plan is:

• the Station Rise gateline is intended to be “Entry Only” and the Maley Road gateline “Exit Only” between 6am - 10:30am, to segregate the flow of passengers
• the off-peak entrance and exit arrangements will run as normal - off peak flow is usually limited to occasional individual travellers
• the Station Rise gateline is intended to be “Exit Only” and the Maley Road gateline “Entry Only” between 3:30pm-8pm, again to segregate the flow of passengers
• Interchange between the platforms is encouraged to be via the footbridge; use of the subway is discouraged

All the above points are guidance rather than an enforceable system, and station staff will use their discretion in adapting this if possible depending on the circumstances.

Ultimately the responsibility for social distancing has to be with those that do travel; all passengers will be expected to be aware and considerate of others. Government advice remains to very much avoid travel by public transport unless there is no alternative, and also to wear a face mask whilst travelling.

The number of passengers is currently low, and this gives an opportunity for a soft launch of the arrangements and to amend these as necessary in the light of experience. If you have any feedback and other suggestions, please advise station staff direct or drop us a line and we will pass it on.