London's Waterloo & City Line Could Reopen on Weekends After Six-Year Closure
London's distinctive turquoise tube line, the Waterloo and City, could soon welcome passengers on weekends for the first time since 2020. This potential change follows a formal request from the City of London Corporation to Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London's office, advocating for the reinstatement of Saturday services on this unique underground route.
The Niche Commuter Line Known as 'The Drain'
Often affectionately called 'The Drain' by regular users, the Waterloo and City line serves a very specific purpose in London's transport network. It operates exclusively between two stations: Waterloo in southwest London and Bank station in the heart of the City of London. This short but vital connection primarily serves commuters traveling between these two major hubs during weekday business hours.
The line's weekend closure dates back to pandemic-related suspensions in 2020. When services resumed in June 2021, they were limited to weekdays only, despite the line having previously operated on Saturdays. This means Londoners have been without weekend access to this direct City connection for approximately six years.
Why Reopen a Mostly Commuter Route on Weekends?
The City of London Corporation's push for weekend services forms part of a broader strategy to transform the Square Mile into a seven-day destination. The Corporation aims to increase footfall on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by five percent, recognizing that weekend visitors contribute significantly to the area's economy and vibrancy.
Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, emphasized the importance of this potential change: 'As we move more and more towards being a seven-day a week destination, having "The Drain" as it's commonly known open on weekends is of fundamental importance to us.'
A Surprisingly Busy Line by Some Measures
While the Waterloo and City line carries the fewest total passengers of any London Underground line, it ranks among the most densely used when measured by passengers-per-kilometre. This statistic highlights how essential this short connection is for those who use it regularly, despite its limited route.
The proposed weekend reopening would initially operate as a trial period, allowing TfL to assess demand and operational feasibility before making any permanent changes to the service schedule.
Transport Developments Across London
This potential change to the Waterloo and City line comes during a period of significant transport developments across the capital. Recent announcements include:
- Progress on a new Overground line in west London
- Plans for larger, quieter aircraft at London City Airport
- Innovative proposals to power the tube network with solar energy
- Updates on when new DLR trains will return to service
The exact timing for the potential weekend reopening of the Waterloo and City line remains uncertain, with TfL and the Mayor's office yet to announce any formal decisions or implementation schedules. However, the formal request from the City of London Corporation represents the most significant step toward weekend services since the line's pandemic-era closure.
