76. Mind The Gap - How to use the London Underground (with Oli & Pasquale)
Nov 8, 2011
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Travel expert Oli joins the podcast to discuss tips for using the London Underground. They cover topics like finding seats, avoiding blocking corridors, and locating exit points easily. They also talk about cycling vs using the Tube, etiquette, dealing with unpleasant people, eating on the Underground, and the rules of consuming alcohol on the train.
Using an oyster card is the most efficient way to access the London Underground.
Maintain good personal hygiene and follow general etiquette rules while on the train.
Stand on the right if you're not walking and choose a direction to go on the platform to avoid confusion.
Deep dives
Ticket Options and Oyster Cards
Using an oyster card, a plastic card that can be topped up with credit, is the most efficient way to access the London Underground. Make sure to have your oyster card ready before reaching the gate to avoid holding up the flow of passengers. Paper tickets are outdated and time-consuming.
Etiquette Inside the Carriage
Keep the train carriages less crowded by taking off backpacks and placing them on the floor between your legs. Offer your seat to elderly, disabled, injured, or pregnant passengers. Be vigilant about determining if someone truly needs a seat. Apologize if you accidentally step on someone's foot or bump into them.
Personal Hygiene and Other Tips
Maintain good personal hygiene to avoid discomforting fellow passengers in the close quarters. Do not bring smelly food onto the train. Avoid listening to music loudly without headphones. Be polite and considerate to those on the train and follow general etiquette rules.
Tips for navigating the underground
When using the underground, it's important to stand on the right if you're not walking. This prevents congestion on the escalators and ensures safety. Once you reach the platform, move down the platform to make space for others. Tourists often face confusion when deciding which direction to go on the platform, so it's advised to choose a direction and keep moving. Additionally, if the underground is crowded and you can't get on the first train, stand near the exit to observe which carriage will have more space when the train arrives.
Etiquette on the underground
When traveling on the underground, it's important to let passengers off the train before attempting to board. Once on the train, avoid playing music aloud through your phone's speakers and ensure that your headphones aren't turned up so loud that others can hear. Eating smelly foods like kebabs is discouraged, as it can be unpleasant to other passengers. Finally, engaging in loud conversations or talking loudly on the train is considered anti-social behavior and should be avoided.