Tube busking scheme 'a success'

The scheme was launched at Canary Wharf Tube station

A licensed busking scheme on London Underground (LU) has been hailed a resounding success one year after it was introduced.

The scheme, sponsored by Carling, started as a 16-week trial at main central London stations.

Over the next two weeks it will be rolled out to even more of the Tube.

Since the initiative began it has freed up hours of police time which had been spent on illegal buskers - call outs have dropped by 72%.

Sounds heard on the Underground range from a rock guitar, classical harp and a human beat-box after 32 separate auditions held last year.

Customer support

Richard Smith, LU's head of Customer Environment, said: "We're proud that the CarlingLive Underground Music initiative continues from strength to strength one year on."

LU customer feedback shows 82% of commuters support the initiative.

The by-law banning buskers was changed after 80% of passengers questioned by LU said they liked live music as they waited for trains.

There will be 31 licensed busking pitches at Tube stations when the new ones are added over the next fortnight.

There are currently 602 licensed LU buskers.