We hate to say it, but… yes.

That’s right: it genuinely is better and more efficient to stand rather than walk on the escalator, according to the results of a study obtained through a Freedom of Information request from Gizmodo.

While it may sound like sorcery, the benefits of standing still (ugh) were undeniable. When Holborn (the guinea pig tubestation) was busy, more commuters were able to travel up the escalator in a given timeframe when everyone stood stock still – a fact that was made clear in the numbers. Standing-only escalators saw up to 151 passengers zooming by per minute, while an escalator where commuters were still allowed to walk saw a measly 115.

This counter-intuitive move could genuinely speed up your morning commute