Station Capacity Assessment

Executive Summary

This statement outlines the capacity assessment undertaken at South Kensington Station. It has been based on site observations, current design guidelines and future proposals that would affect the station.

During the morning and evening peak periods South Kensington Station is generally free flowing and indeed seems to operate better than many other stations in and around Central London at peak times.

The following capacity improvements could be provided within the existing building at relatively low cost:

The automatic gates could be used more efficiently and additional gates could be provided.
A new ticket area or machines could be provided.
A new escalator could be introduced between the concourse and district / circle line platforms.

Under the Public Private Partnership concession that covers South Kensington Station, there is a commitment to spend £7 billion by 2010 and over this period there is a requirement to modernise / refurbish around 190 stations. Therefore it is evident that South Kensington Station could be modernised / refurbished in the next few years if there is a pressing need or at the very latest it would be modernised / refurbished by 2010.

In conclusion, the capacity improvements could be provided within the existing station layout at relatively low cost without the planned redevelopment of the station. These improvements could be delivered through the PPP concession.

Download the complete report:
Station Capacity Assessment (pdf, 460kb)