Waterloo & City Line Mobile Trial

Almost on an annual basis we're promised mobile phones on the Tube. For me, it's not going to make a huge difference as half of my journey is overground and I'm used to hearing - "I'm on the train", or "Just about to go into a tunnel so can't speak". But for the more subterranean of you, I wonder if it'll be more of a help or hindrance. 45% of the Tube's network is below ground and out of current mobile network coverage.


In an LU survey of 1,007 respondents conducted in February, 34% said that if it were available they would be very likely to use a mobile phone in all parts of the Tube, including trains and stations. A total of 22% said they would be fairly likely to use a mobile, 19% not very likely, however 23% said not at all likely.

Around a year ago Tfl said "It is our intention to commence a trial at a small number of Tube stations in late 2007 with the aim of introducing mobile phone and new technology provision at stations from summer 2008."

Last week it appears that the technology was trickier to install and it's been delayed by another year "The earliest the trial will begin is in April next year and if it is successful, will be extended across the Tube network. LU said the earliest date mobile phone coverage could be extended across the Tube network is mid-2009."

The Waterloo & City Line will have a six month trial so if you want to hear lots of conversations about people's bonuses and how stressed and over-worked they are you know where to head. Or not.