London’s Euston station has come under fire after Network Rail faced mounting criticism over its management of the busy rail hub. The controversy centres on the replacement of the main concourse’s departure boards with giant digital advertising screens, a move that has been blamed for exacerbating overcrowding and compromising passenger safety.
Earlier this year, Network Rail installed the oversized digital displays, which now dominate Euston’s concourse. The decision to prioritise advertising has been met with significant backlash, with passengers and transport watchdogs voicing concerns over the impact on the flow of commuters. The screens, criticised for diminishing the visibility of departure information, have led to large crowds converging around smaller, centralised boards, creating a potential safety hazard.
London TravelWatch, a passenger advocacy group, recently issued a stark warning about the overcrowding at Euston. It highlighted the danger posed by “last-minute announcements” that lead to a rush of passengers moving towards platforms. The group reported that station staff were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people, further raising alarms about the risks to commuters.
In response, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh called for immediate action, tasking Network Rail with developing a strategy to improve the situation. “For too long, Euston station simply hasn’t been good enough for passengers,” Haigh stated. “That’s why I’ve tasked Network Rail with coming up with a clear plan to immediately improve conditions for passengers. This includes a shutdown of the advertising boards from today to review their use.”
Network Rail has now implemented a five-point plan aimed at addressing the pressing concerns at Euston. As part of this strategy, the advertising screens have been switched off, and a review of their future use is underway. Other measures include expanding concourse space, improving the station’s handling of service disruptions, and increasing the reliability of train services running through Euston.
Gary Walsh, Network Rail’s route director, acknowledged the need for swift action. “Passengers haven’t received the experience they deserve at Euston recently, and we need to do better,” he admitted. “Our five-point plan will help improve things for passengers in the short term by creating more space, providing better passenger information, and working as an industry to improve the reliability of train services on the West Coast Main Line.”
Euston station’s recent operational changes reflect broader concerns about how advertising in transport hubs can affect passenger safety and experience. By focusing on profit through ad placements, critical aspects of the commuter experience, such as accessibility and ease of movement, were deprioritised. This misstep has forced Network Rail to reassess its approach to managing one of the capital’s busiest transport hubs.
For now, the switch-off of the advertising boards marks a step towards addressing the overcrowding crisis, though passengers and officials alike are calling for a permanent solution. As Network Rail and the Department for Transport continue their efforts, the future of Euston remains under scrutiny as Londoners wait for improvements that prioritise safety and efficiency over commercial interests.
