Observations from an improving commuter ( LONDON)

In the last year i have gone from a novice London Commuter to an expert. I having nothing but admiration for those who commute to London with its trials and tribulations that it brings.

For those who do commute it is a necessary evil that requires patience and determination to arrive at ones destination in one piece  without being angry or frustrated.

You stand your ground once on the underground trains, you know the best carriage for the station you are getting off at or what side of the carriage you need to be on as well.

But then you get to see some interesting things going on while people travel on the train, below are some of the most interesting things that i have seen to the most weird. People watching is a wonderful activity.

• Children using the had grips to swing on. Its strange that it hurts  when they fall onto the flow when the train suddenly moves off.
• Those in their gym gear who decided to continue their exercise on the tube by using the poles as some type of gym equipment. Its not a good sight when the train is full.
• Ladies  I know you wish to look good when you arrive at your destination but please do not use hairspray just before you get off the trains especially when full.
• Gents As above but with deodorant.
• Trying to get into a gap on the train when  there is no space left and then being surprised when someone makes a comment that there is no H2O left.
• Playing games with your suitcase on the train. One person nearly lost his trolley onto the platform when the door opened.

Then you get to standing your ground. Yes i am probably one of those people. You have spot that you have found and you do not wish to give up that space until your station.

• Empty seat hunting. Its a guessing game as to who is likely to get up from their seat.
• Being pushed out of the way the moment you start to get up from the seat and often by more than 2 people.
• As people are still getting of the train you don’t move to stand in the middle of the door in preparation for your stop….. it could mean that you end up on the platform and the train leaves without you.
• Backpacks = less room for people.
• Do not lean on the closed doors as the tube may not move or stutter. The driver may not be very unhappy.
• Eating on the train. It happens but there is some really smelly food and please don’t leave your rubbish on the train or station.

Station behaviour.

• Standing in the door way. Please move out of the way to let others through.
• Stopping at the top/bottom of stairs or escalators. Fellow travellers will pile into you.
• Walk don’t run to get to the train that has just left or you may trip over.
• If i’m following through one of the ticket barriers and your ticket does not work,do not look at me because i will not let you through.
• Musicians   all but a few are rubbish.

Even with all of above i managed to survive the whole experience. Did i enjoy it, some occasions maybe others less so. The experience was worth it.

Then there are the announcements.

• Please mind the gap.
• Stand on the right, walk on the left,hold the handrail, do not run
• Keep an eye on your children
• There are professional beggars don’t encourage them, please give you loose change to charity. 
• The next station is…..
• Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are not permitted beyond this station.

 

© Wildbaynz October 2017