Broadway station, giving neurodivergent passengers and anyone who finds busy transport environments overwhelming somewhere quieter to pause during their journey. The Transport for London trial runs until 2 October 2026 and could help shape accessibility improvements elsewhere on London's transport network.

Ealing Broadway chosen for new TfL trial

Passengers travelling through Ealing Broadway now have access to an unusual new facility designed to make one of west London's busiest transport hubs more comfortable and inclusive.

Transport for London has partnered with NOOK and autism research charity Autistica to introduce a temporary calm space at Ealing Broadway station.

Opened on 4 September, the facility provides a low-stimulation environment where passengers can step away from the noise and activity of the station, rest and continue their journey when they feel ready.

The trial is particularly aimed at neurodivergent passengers, although the space is available to other customers who may find busy transport environments difficult or overwhelming.

What's inside the calm space?

Located beyond the ticket barriers, the facility includes an acoustic shelter designed to reduce surrounding noise.

Nature-inspired design elements and calming colours have been incorporated to create a less stimulating environment, while fixed seating provides somewhere for passengers to rest.

Accessibility has also been built into the design. There is level access and sufficient room for wheelchairs, mobility aids, buggies and assistance animals.

Ealing Broadway was selected partly because its ground-level layout made finding a suitable location easier. The calm space is also positioned near the ticket barriers where station staff can see it throughout the day.

Could Ealing's trial lead to calm spaces across London?

Potentially — and that makes the Ealing Broadway experiment particularly interesting.

TfL says information gathered during the trial will help it understand how calm spaces could support passengers and inform future recommendations for more inclusive design across the transport network.

A second calm-space trial is planned at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden for eight weeks this autumn.

The initiative forms part of TfL's wider Equity in Motion strategy, which aims to remove barriers that can prevent people from travelling confidently and independently.

TfL's Mark Evers said busy environments can sometimes create a barrier to travel, particularly for neurodivergent customers, and that the trials will help the organisation understand how passengers who need time away from those environments can be better supported.

Designed with neurodivergent passengers

An important part of the project is that the concept has not simply been developed for neurodivergent passengers.

Autistica worked with people with lived experience through workshops, focus groups and surveys while helping shape the trial.

That research indicated that access to a quiet, low-stimulation space during a journey could help some passengers feel more confident and independent — potentially allowing them to continue journeys they might otherwise abandon or avoid.

Ealing passengers invited to have their say

The Ealing Broadway calm space will remain in place until Friday 2 October 2026.

TfL is actively encouraging people to try it and provide feedback. Responses will be collected through a survey, customer-service feedback, site reviews and engagement with people who have lived experience of neurodivergence.

That means something being tested locally in Ealing could ultimately influence how stations across London are designed for passengers who need a quieter travelling environment.

At a Glance

• What: TfL Calm Space trial
• Where: Ealing Broadway station, beyond the ticket barriers
• Opened: 4 September 2026
• Trial ends: 2 October 2026
• Designed for: Neurodivergent passengers and others who can find busy environments overwhelming
• Facilities: Acoustic shelter, low-stimulation design, fixed seating and accessible space
• Partners: TfL, NOOK and Autistica
• Why it matters: Results could influence future accessibility and neuroinclusive design across London's transport netw