Concern over London commuter numbers as video shows packed rush hour Tube

Video showing a crowded London Tube station during morning rush hour on Thursday has sparked alarm. 

In the video shared on Twitter by BBC Transport & Environment Correspondent Tom Edwards, Transport for London’s (TfL) Canning Town Tube station can be seen packed with people, with dozens pictured on the platform before boarding two trains. 

A spokesperson for the TfL told The Independent that the incident was an uncommon occurrence on the transport network caused by delays. 

While they said that the platform at the Canning Town station can become briefly busy due to the overlapping of DLR and Tube scheduling times, they said that overcrowding to the degree witnessed on Thursday was uncommon and only occurred for a “short amount of time”.

They further said that the TfL has also been struggling due to “staff shortages”, with the latest absence figures showing 13 per cent of staff away for reasons including having to isolate due to Covid-19.

The video comes to light, however, just days after the BBC reported on calls from transport workers in the capital for better protection against Covid-19, which has killed dozens of TfL workers.

According to Transport for London, at least 62 TfL workers have died from coronavirus, with the BBC reporting that at least 42 staff members worked on London’s buses, where workers face increased exposure to the general public.

Among the TfL workers who have died from the virus are at least 42 staff members who worked on London’s buses, as well as eight Tube and rail workers, according to the broadcaster. Three staff from the TfL head office also died, as well as four people from partner organisations. 

In a statement published online, London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Byford said: “Their tragic loss is devastating for us all, and I and everyone at Transport for London would like to pay tribute to the critical role they played in London's fight against this global pandemic. We will never forget them.”

The transport commissioner said TfLwas “determined to continue to play our part in the national effort to beat coronavirus".

“Our heroic frontline staff and colleagues across the transport industry are the beating heart of London and have kept this great city moving through one of the most challenging periods in its history and helped ensure life-saving critical workers were able to do their jobs. I would like to pay tribute to them all,” he said.

“As Commissioner, the safety of all our staff and customers will be my top priority, and I am absolutely committed to doing everything in my power to keep you safe as we enter a new chapter in this city's history,” he asserted.

The families of workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus have questioned why their loved ones weren’t provided with more protection. 

A report from University College London’s Institute of Health Equity found that death rates from Covid-19 among bus drivers in London "exceeded death rates for London as a whole in the majority of weeks from early April to early May". 

Noting that bus and coach drivers are among the occupations reported as having elevated mortality rates from Covid-19, the study said that “many of these occupations also have increased levels of exposure to the general public” and “it seems likely that this exposure has contributed to the risk”. 

During England’s current coronavirus lockdown, many are still using public transport, with workers across the city still allowed to travel to work if they cannot work from home.

The study urged TfL to protect workers, with “many bus drivers” being at “ high risk of Covid due to the occupation of bus driving and proximity to the public, their age, sex, pre-existing health conditions, BAME and area of residence”.

“All bus drivers and particularly those with multiple risk factors need enhanced protection through early interventions on ill-health prevention and reducing exposure during epidemics,” it said.