by Max Lehmann

Created on: June 28, 2007

The London Underground is ancient and in some ways it shows. It can be an interesting experience to ride a tube train for the first time, but when you do so, please have some consideration for the Londoners who have to deal with it every day!

Here are a few unwritten rules to help you make best use of the system.

- Look at the map before you enter the station if you can. There are many tube maps up throughout the system but the corridors are narrow and the areas around the ticket barriers can become very crowded. The last thing people on their way to work want to encounter is tourists meandering around in no rush to get anywhere and right in the path of those who are running late. If you really must consult the wall mounted maps then don't have your party gathered around you blocking the way, find a space to stand and wait while one person works things out.

- Because the system is old it isn't air conditioned. Be prepared for this - it will be very hot and stuffy inside the carriages.

- There are regular delays throughout the system for all kinds of reasons, from congestion to more concerning matters such as security alerts or people underneath trains. These may be accidents or suicide attempts - it's grim, but they're reasonably common. Try not to get too frustrated by the delays - think how much worse it might be for those closer to the cause. Allow ample time for your journey, accounting for problems like these.

- The trains will get awfully crowded at rush hour. Not only will you not get a seat, you'll be uncomfortable and squashed with your nose in somebody's armpit. Deal with it. Commuters have to. Better still, leave your journey for a time when the commuters are already at work. If you absolutely can't do this, then for heaven's sake make sure you don't take ridiculous amounts of luggage - you might not even get on a tube train and if you do you'll annoy an awful lot of people.

- Move down the carriage when you get onto a train. People will need to get in behind you. Blocking the doorway is frowned upon. Similarly, when you ride the escalators, stand on the right if you're not walking. The left hand side is supposed to be used by people who want to move more quickly and they won't appreciate their route being blocked. This is rarely conveyed to foreigners and confuses many.

- Keep an eye on your progress and look out for your stop. When you are nearly at your destination, make your way towards the doors. You will hear the station staff at each station announcing that passengers should let people off the train before trying to board. However, the time the train will be stationary is limited and if you don't get off quickly, people will start to board, meaning you're in one anothers' way.

- If you have luggage, be considerate with it. It may be much easier to wheel your suitcase along, but the correct place to pull out the handle and steady the case is not the top of the escalator or staircase. This just causes people to pile up behind you with nowhere to go and causes many a cross word or worse.

- Consider avoiding the tube all together. Your travel card will be valid on buses as well as tube trains and by riding the bus you'll get to see much more of the city. If you are delayed on a bus it's much easier to get back off and walk than if you're stuck underground.

If you can bear this in mind you're much more likely to be seen as a considerate passenger and not stand out as being a tourist. Enjoy your time in London but beware of irritating the locals!

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