London's commuters have voted the Central Line as the hottest Tube line, with a pop-up sauna appearing in a carriage to highlight the extreme conditions during a record-breaking heatwave. The installation by Currys, set up in an out-of-service carriage at Walthamstow Pump House Museum, was designed to mimic the sauna-like experience of travelling on the Underground.
Commuter Survey Reveals Overwhelming Discomfort
New research commissioned by Currys found that 80% of commuters find the temperature on the Underground unbearable, while 76% said it is more uncomfortable than sitting in a hot sauna. Additionally, 67% worry about arriving at work visibly sweaty. Subterranean temperatures on the hottest lines regularly exceed 30°C, and passengers are often advised to avoid travel unless necessary.
Top Five Hottest Tube Lines
According to the survey of commuters, the five hottest Tube lines are:
- Central Line (37%)
- Northern Line (23%)
- Victoria Line (22%)
- Piccadilly Line (17%)
- Bakerloo Line (16%)
The Central Line was the runaway winner, with more than a third of respondents naming it the most uncomfortable.
Pop-Up Sauna Highlights Extreme Conditions
Julia Gater, senior buyer at Currys, said: "Anyone who has travelled on the Tube during a heatwave knows the feeling. The moment the doors close, it can feel like stepping into a sauna. When we discovered that three in four Londoners think travelling on the Tube without air conditioning is even more uncomfortable than sitting in a hot sauna, we wanted to bring that comparison to life in a way that would make people smile while highlighting just how extreme summer commuting can become."
Gater added: "While we can't cool down the Central Line, we can help people create moments of relaxation and recovery at home. As well as technology, we offer a growing range of wellness, beauty and lifestyle products designed to help people unwind and recharge."
Wellness Products for Home Use
Shoppers seeking a wellness experience at home can find a range of products at Currys, including portable steam saunas, infrared sauna blankets, and facial saunas with steam inhalers. The retailer also offers a wide selection of cooling devices to help beat the heat.
