A plan to run an all-night Underground service at the weekend may help London narrow the gap with New York's all-night metro service.
The proposed round-the-clock service was warmly welcomed by night-time businesses in London. Richard Dickinson, chief executive of New West End Company, which represents stores in the entertainment district, said: “It will increase London’s competitive edge. Shopping and social habits are changing and nearly half of West End shoppers are international and accustomed to a late-night shopping culture, so this change will really enable the economy to continue to grow."
Big venue owners say they will gain from the potential to hold later events. Jeremy King, communications director at the O2, London’s biggest concert arena, said: “Our visitors will be able to spend more time in the bars and restaurants.” The venue will also be able to host more events that start later, such as boxing, where the main bout often does not start until past midnight.
Even London’s cabbies were relaxed about the impact. Mark Williams, a cab driver for 12 years, said: “I think it’s great for Londoners. I don’t think it will harm my trade. And it will deter people from using illegal minicabs.”
All-night trains might also reduce disorder on the streets. The West End Commission said 225,000 people go to Leicester Square alone on an average Saturday night. At closing time, when transport can be thin on the ground, they are more likely to get into a fight or be robbed or assaulted.
Reuben Harley, chief executive of Eclectic, a chain of bars with outlets across the capital said: “It’s good for the late-night economy”
All Tube stations will remain staffed during operating hours and there will be more people to help customers navigate the system and use ticket machines.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
The proposed round-the-clock service was warmly welcomed by night-time businesses in London. Richard Dickinson, chief executive of New West End Company, which represents stores in the entertainment district, said: “It will increase London’s competitive edge. Shopping and social habits are changing and nearly half of West End shoppers are international and accustomed to a late-night shopping culture, so this change will really enable the economy to continue to grow."
Big venue owners say they will gain from the potential to hold later events. Jeremy King, communications director at the O2, London’s biggest concert arena, said: “Our visitors will be able to spend more time in the bars and restaurants.” The venue will also be able to host more events that start later, such as boxing, where the main bout often does not start until past midnight.
Even London’s cabbies were relaxed about the impact. Mark Williams, a cab driver for 12 years, said: “I think it’s great for Londoners. I don’t think it will harm my trade. And it will deter people from using illegal minicabs.”
All-night trains might also reduce disorder on the streets. The West End Commission said 225,000 people go to Leicester Square alone on an average Saturday night. At closing time, when transport can be thin on the ground, they are more likely to get into a fight or be robbed or assaulted.
Reuben Harley, chief executive of Eclectic, a chain of bars with outlets across the capital said: “It’s good for the late-night economy”
All Tube stations will remain staffed during operating hours and there will be more people to help customers navigate the system and use ticket machines.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
- Shopping
The move will help London’s West End retailers compete on a global scale because it will bring the shopping culture more into line with late-night habits of many of the capital’s international visitors,
- Bars
Bars and restaurants welcomed the decision and not only because of the extra trade it promises. The incidence of fights and theft in the West End is higher when people leave licensed premises at the same time to go home.
- Londoners
London residents will be freer to stay out late without fear of a difficult journey home. For those living close to late-night Tube stations, however, the noise of those returning will no longer end around midnight and may persist through the night.
- Entertainment
Late-night Tube running will allow events to start at a later time and audiences to linger over dinner around the venues.
- Workers
Though the plan extends hours only on Friday and Saturday, employees who work night-time shifts or early in the morning will benefit, particularly low-income groups who live far from their place of work.
- Taxis
Although there are worries about loss of trade, many drivers say it will not affect the preference of many people on a night out for black cabs over the Tube.
