Iconic Tube signs arrive at Orchard Hill College and Carshalton College

Many of the students are teenagers and adults with learning difficulties who are doing courses to become independent travellers. The choice of Tube system signage seemed an ideal way to familiarise the students with public transport in the world outside the classroom.

 

One of the students came up with the idea of having a Tube theme. This public transport suggestion was deemed more age-appropriate than animals or planets as the pupils are aged 16 or older.

 

Each floor is named after a London Underground line. For example the third floor is named after the Metropolitan line and has a classroom called Baker Street. This is signified with the distinctive Tube logo or roundel.  The furniture and floor are the same colour as this purple line. The lift, toilet and wheelchair signs are real LU signs customers would see on the network. Floor stickers also tell students to keep to the right.

 

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's Transport Advisor, said: “Our famous Tube map and logo with its bright colours and simple layout is recognized around the world for its practical design.

 

“I’m really pleased that Transport for London – by bringing a little bit of the Tube to Orchard Hill and Carshalton College – has been able to help these students navigate their building more easily.”

 

Sally McGuire, Skills for Work and Life Team Leader at Carshalton College “For us, you get a sense of achievement working with our learners, equipping them with skills to achieve and lead a more independent life; it is very rewarding. This iconic theme and quality development provides additional benefits to students in supporting teaching and learning methods within the travel sector.”

 

West Sussex based Links Ltd, one of TfL’s suppliers designed and made the signs at no cost to TfL. The shared College building is a purpose built building which opened last year and caters for students with a range of learning disabilities and disabilities.

 

The students will also be dressed up in Tube themed fancy dress on 8 December as part of their annual extravaganza.

 

Notes to Editors:
• London Underground (LU) is undertaking a major programme of renewal as part of Transport for London’s Investment Programme.  This will inevitably result in some disruption for passengers, but TfL is working hard to provide information and alternative travel options.  The work is essential to provide for London’s growing transport needs now, and into the future.  TfL is urging all Londoners and Tube, London Overground, London Tramlink and DLR passengers to “check before you travel” at weekends, allowing extra journey time where necessary. Weekend travel news is available at www.tfl.gov.uk

For more information, please contact
Maxine Alexander, Marketing and Publicity Manager
e: maxine.alexander@carshalton.ac.uk  t: 0208 544 4558