The London Underground

The London subway, often called "the tube" by passengers throughout the city, operates on 255 miles of track, some above ground and other parts underground. It is the oldest transport system in the world, having begun in 1863. With numerous stops and stations, inner-city travel provides a convenient mode of transportation to coordinate with bus and taxi options. The system boasts 274 stations and serves three million passengers daily. Most stations are close to or within walking distance of key metropolitan centers like Piccadilly and Westminster. Patrons can easily get from one distant location across the city to another in a matter of minutes. London is a large metropolis, so this type of fluid networking helps to keep travel smooth and even without undue congestion. Users can pay for each individual trip or buy a pass that allows them to enter and disembark at any point over a given period of time. Reasonably priced, the tube allows patrons to avoid hassles of traffic, parking, and fuel prices by taking the underground day or night. The seats are moderately comfortable, and the cars, relatively clean. This summer about 150 tube buses have been fitted with air conditioning and improved ventilation units. More than 1,000 have received new windows that open on the top deck to permit better airflow for cooling purposes. Air-cooled trains are scheduled to arrive in 2009. In the meantime, avoid riding the tube if you feel unwell. If you become ill while on the train, get off at the next stop. Carry a bottle of water with you to help combat the effects of warm summer temperatures. If you plan to be in London, learn more about the convenience of tube travel. Stop at any station to ask for details and get a schedule, and soon you be speeding on your way!

Discuss It!

Most Popular Articles

More