(no subject)

[tree_and_leaf]

Advice on using the London Underground this summer.

I would add, carry a bottle of water at all times, and remember that it can be very hot indeed in the deep tube stations at busy times (not unusual for temperatures to reach the thirties in summer at peak times).

Comments

[highlyeccentric]

These all add up to 'don't be an idiot', aside from the inexplicable stand-right-on-escalators rule. WHY, BRITAIN, WHY?

*coughs*

The Sydney transport system have a nifty trick for the underground stations in summer - they installed massive fans and a water mister in several clearly-marked sections of the station. The whole project is sponsored by Nestea (the markings on the ground are giant Nestea logos), who like to be associated with refreshing things, so I guess it didn't cost CityRail much. And you can get gently misted and fanned down in summer!

[tree_and_leaf]

You mean, why stand on the right and not on the left? I think other European countries do it the same way we do, so perhaps that's part of the answer.

The water misters sound great, though I suspect that bits of the Tube are so poorly ventilated that if you tried it here things would just get fetid...

[highlyeccentric]

It makes sense in other European countries! They drive on the right in other European countries. The fact that escalators are opposite to roads is what gets me.

[tree_and_leaf]

And you're right, they do mostly add up to 'don't be an idiot', but you'd be amazed how many people are. In particular, you'd think it was obvious that you need to have your ticket ready for the barrier, but time and time again, people don't.

It's also as well to warn people that the walk-on cash fares are a complete rip off, because it really is outrageous.

[hunningham]

I used to carry a folding paper fan. Oh, the looks of envy.

[tree_and_leaf]

Fans are also a good idea!