Jason Permenter

Within the past few days, I’ve mentioned that—for several reasons—I was putting London on DESIGN PROBATION, one of which was its unfortunate decision to expurgate the River Thames (and the concentric fare zones) from the London Underground map. I mentioned, too, that the presence of the Thames is just plain essential, truly unobtrusive and provides a wealth of context for trave(l)lers. And I mentioned that my voice would be heard.

Well guess what:

River Thames restored to London Tube map by Mayor of London.

Says the Telegraph:

…after an outcry from Londoners Mr Johnson today ordered TfL to reinstate the Thames in the next redesign – and “look again” at its decision to erase the zone system.

He was reportedly furious that his plan to make the Thames a more prominent part of London’s transport network had been undermined by the new map.

“The mayor has ordered TfL to put it back on and to do so in a way that does not accrue any additional costs,” a spokesman for the mayor’s office said.

“They update their maps on a regular basis and the Thames will reappear in the next version due to be printed in December.”

Booyashaka, innit.