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1 month ago
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The topic of loo facilities on London's public transport has always sparked debate.
While advocates for accessibility emphasise their vital role in making the network as inclusive as possible, these facilities are often challenging to maintain, susceptible to vandalism and require regular upkeep.
The Elizabeth line boasts toilets at key stations along its 117km route, but none on its trains, reflecting the situation on the London Underground.
Transport for All reveals that only 51 out of the 272 Tube stations have accessible toilets (19 of which are on the Jubilee line), although more stations have toilet facilities that aren't fully accessible.
This is largely due to many stations being situated in old buildings where it hasn't been practical to add toilets retrospectively. In a few cases, where toilets have been installed, it has led to various peculiarities.
At seven Tube stations, the men's and women's toilets are located on either side of the ticket barriers. This means that in some instances, men need a valid ticket to use the station's toilets while women do not (and less frequently, vice versa).
However, this is mostly theoretical as station staff often use their discretion to allow those without tickets to use the facilities. Some stations also have accessible toilets (mainly designed for wheelchair users) outside the ticket barriers, which can be used by all.
At Watford, Croxley and North Harrow on the Metropolitan line, as well as North Ealing on the Piccadilly line and Theydon Bois on the Central line, the men's toilets are located within the ticket barriers while the women's are not.
The situation is flipped at West Harrow on the Metropolitan line and Boston Manor on the Piccadilly line, where ladies require a ticket to use the facilities.
These seven stations aren't the only ones with unusual toilet arrangements. At Willesden Green on the Jubilee line, there are no gents' toilets but there are ladies' (an accessible toilet is available outside the ticket barriers).
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