The Tube is the commonly known name for the London Underground. It is a system of mostly underground trains that run through the city. It goes out as far as Heathrow Airport on the west Side and as far as Upminster on the east side. There are 17 different lines on the Tube map and they each have their own colour so you can easily identify each line and where you want to go.

Fares:
There are a wide variety of fares. Single Fares range between £2.00-£.3.80 and children get cheaper. Most visitors to London will buy a Day Travelcard. An off peak Adult Card for Zones 1 and 2 (Central London) is £4.30. The full range of fares can be found at http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/content/tickets/quickFares_2004.asp

Travelcards are the cheaper way to travel if you live and work in London. A 7-day Travelcard for Zone One is £17.00 and a monthly Zone One and Two is £77.60. There is such a wide variety it’s best if you check for yourself! The Tube website is very helpful. It also has details about student discounts etc

Let people get off the train first and walk on. You may or may not get a seat so be prepared to stand especially at rush hour. Now hardly anyone makes eye contact on the Tube and most people have a zombie like expression on their faces! It’s a good idea to take a book or something else to read. Like a free copy of the Metro. Or read the advertisements above people’s head. Someone once said ‘If God had intended commuters to talk He wouldn’t have invented the Evening Standard.’ This is an evening newspaper that costs 40 pence.

It is nice (and good karma) to give your seat up to people who need it more than you. For example: pregnant ladies and elderly people.

Staff:
The staff wears easily identifiable uniforms and there always seem to be plenty about. They get a lot of complaints off customers but I have found them to be hard working and helpful. If you need help just ask them and be polite. They are more likely to be more helpful if you smile and ask them politely. They wear blue uniforms and blue caps.

Comfort:
The Tube can get hot and crowded. I recommend layering up and taking water to drink. Try not to faint or be sick! The escalators can go down a very long way and make you feel dizzy. You may want to take a lift instead. Some places can smell a bit. There is also no air conditioning.

The Jubilee line:
If only all lines were like this: -clean and quick! There are glass panels down on the platforms to stop people throwing their selves on the track-sad but true.

The Bottom Line:
Despite the expense and delays, the Underground works. There are whiteboards at the entrances to stations that warn you of delays. ‘Good service’ is the best you can hope for! I haven’t had any major problems recently; the most I’ve had to wait is 7 minutes. It is still the quickest way to get around London and can even be quite fun! People watching is enjoyable as is the whole hustle and bustle of London. You will soon get into the habit of the Tube and find yourself helping tourists. I’m not a Londoner but have visited it a lot and hope to be when I go to University there come September!