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Tube chiefs signed up some of the high street’s biggest names today to start a retail revolution on the Underground.

From next month, Tesco and Waitrose will offer a “click-and-collect” service that will enable passengers to pick up groceries from lockers or vans at a dozen outlying stations.

They signed up following a successful pilot scheme of Asda’s Tube-based click-and-collect, which will be extended. Passengers will also be able to collect mail and parcels from lockers operated by InPost, and buy flowers from vending machines run by Rockflower at three stations.

Today it was also announced that millions of part-time workers will be able to save hundreds of pounds when flexible three-day-a-week travelcards are brought in next year . The “click and collect” service is the first big step in modernising retail at the Tube’s 270 stations. The next move by the chains is expected to be the opening of more convenience stories at central stations.

Transport bosses are currently battling unions over their plans to shut all ticket offices by next year — which would lead to full automation of ticket sales but also, managers say, free up floorspace for retail. Transport for London wants to raise £3.5 billion in the next decade through its commercial arm, including offloading some of its property portfolio.

Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL, said: “Over 11 million journeys take place on our public transport network each day and there is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with commercial partners to deliver products and services customers want, and as a result grow revenues we then reinvest in improving the network.

“The primary role of our stations must always be travel and we will never compromise that.” Waitrose will become the first supermarket chain to install temperature-controlled lockers at stations, meaning customers can type in a unique code, scan their smartphone or credit card to open them, and remove their orders. They will be installed in six stations, the locations of which are still being finalised.

Tesco customers will be able to order up until midnight and collect their food from six station car parks, brought in refrigerated vans that will arrive in morning, afternoon and early evening slots. Customers can book a one-hour window, but to account for tube delays or commuters finding themselves stuck in the office, drivers have been instructed to wait up to three hours.

The Asda trials have been so successful its service could eventually be available at all 62 stations with car parks.

Asda now click-and-collect vans at East Finchley, Harrow and Wealdstone, High Barnet, Highgate, Stanmore and Epping. Tesco will have its service at Osterley, Newbury Park, Rayners Lane, Finchley Central, Arnos Grove and Cockfosters.

Comment: Making the most of the Tube