The London Underground System

I really feel the need to blog about the London Underground system aka the Tube today. Monday was really hectic on the Northern Line coming back from the St Pancras/Eurostar train station. I wondered if I was going to get on the train with my carry on and shopping back full of chocolates and biscuits (cookies). I also wondered if my biscuits would be smashed by other passengers on the train.

Then today I came across this article in the paper today - http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23777648-tube-overcrowding-is-turning-londoners-into-selfish-animals.do

Before I start with the bad things about the Tube, I must say that I am completely in awe of how smooth the transit system works. I was a little intimidated by the Tube map and the various lines but Mari really broke me in the first week we were here. I kind of panicked when I left her at the Paddington station but I got back to my place with no problems. After that, I knew I could do it.

The Tube system is amazing. I can get to my destination fairly quickly. If one train doesn't go directly to the area I need to be at, I can easily connect to another line, and make yet another connection within 20-30 minutes. When there are events, people always give the nearest Tube stop to help with directions. I use www.tfl.gov with google maps to help me get to my destination. TFL is a very useful trip planning tool.

I always know when the next train is coming. There is a sign that tells me how many minutes until the next train and it's not only one train, it tells me the next 3-4 trains. I also know the current time. I always feel safe on the Tube no matter what time it is. (The Tube closes at 12:30a.m.) There are cameras everywhere and staff ready to help you. When you push the information button on the platform, you actually get a prompt answer back. It's not there for the purposes of being there. The train conductor tells you if there are signal problems or issues and apologies in the ever so charming English way. Way more than what you would get in Chicago on the CTA. Sometimes the bus will come, sometimes it won't or you'll have 3 buses to choose from at once.

However, during rush hour it's a different story. The Tube turns into a major nightmare. Going back the article above, it says that between 7-10 a.m. one of the major tube lines transports 60,000 people. My line - the Northern Line just so happens to be the oldest and most crowded lines in London.

Every morning, I feel like I am jumping into a big mosh pit. Here is a picture of what it's like to attempt and get on the train - http://www.flickr.com/photos/anniemole/2452500747/ I am not sure who's photo this is but my friend Jason advised that I should not try and take a picture. I guess I understand because of the bombings that occurred some time ago.

Sometimes, I can get on the Tube the first time. Other times, I have to wait for two to three trains or walk to the next station over where there are other connections so your odds are pretty good that you are going to get on as people connect to other lines. I have to deal with being shoved or someone trying to cut in front of me to ensure they get on the Tube.

Immediately upon getting on the train, I strip down to just my work clothes because it is so hot. Today it was one of the coldest days since I've been there. I started off by bundling up with my warmest scarf, a hat and gloves. By the time I got on the train, my gear was off and my coat was unbuttoned. Another article I read says that in the summer, the temperature levels are so bad, it exceeds European standards for cattle transport. Geez....I've heard this several times and laugh every time but seriously, I don't think I want to be on the Tube in the summer.

To distract myself, I listen to my iPod as I read someones paper over their shoulder. You notice everything about the neighbor right in front of your face....Like the man who missed a spot shaving, wondering how that girl does her makeup, the booger stuck in someone's nose. Luckily, I haven't bumped into too many smelly people. What grosses me out the most is when someone sneezes and then touches the rails. You can't help but worry about swine flu or other airborne diseases in such a confined place.

So what are the alternatives? Not too much. I have thought about cycling to work but London drivers are not very respectful of cyclists or pedestrians. I am sure one day on the Tube in the summer will drive me to chance the roads. Overall, I love the Tube system and I don't miss having a car. It feels good not to worry about car maintenance, insurance, designated drivers. I leave that up to my friends at the Tube. Cheers!