London faces ‘unprecedented’ transport demand in run-up to Queen’s funeral

theguardian.com:

Mourners looking to travel to London to pay their respects to the Queen are being told to prepare for “unprecedented” demand on transport and in stations, with hundreds of thousands expected to make the trip.

As many as 750,000 people are expected to travel to the capital from Wednesday to pay respects to the late monarch as she lies in state for four days before her funeral on Monday. The public have been warned they may face 12-hour queues to see her coffin in Westminster Hall.

Network Rail, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and Transport for London (TfL) urged travellers to plan ahead and to expect crowded services and congested stations, adding that passengers should consider walking to their final destinations in the capital if possible.

TfL said not to drive in London if possible – and to avoid Green Park tube station altogether if travelling on public transport – with other stations including Westminster, Victoria, Waterloo, Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch also expected to be extremely busy.

“It is expected that we will see unprecedented travel demand in the capital, especially from Wednesday 14 September,” the three organisations said on Monday.

RDG, which represents all rail operators, said that on the day of the funeral it will not be possible to view the funeral in London and then travel to Windsor where the Queen will be laid to rest.

“Understandably, many people wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen during this period of national mourning,” said Jason Webb, the customer information director at RDG. “On the day of the funeral, Monday 19 September, people should plan carefully the timing of their journey home, as trains and stations are likely to be extremely busy.”

Travellers were warned that while London