London Underground Research

[MHall]

Hi guys,

I have been conducting research on how to improve your train journeys. I would now like to investigate the london underground.

Please can you answer the following three questions: (Please be aware that if you answer these questions you are consenting the information you provide to be used by me throughout the project)


1) Can you post about your likes and dislikes of the london underground.

2) Could you tell me if holding on in the tube is a problem, would you like a device that ensures you will be able to hold on to the overhead railings, no matter your height/position on the tube.

3) Any thoughts on a device that would enhance your journey on the london underground.


Thanks a lot, really appreciate it!

 

[Harlesden]

As all London Underground lines run a very intensive service, overcrowding at certain times is inevitable. People unable to reach the overhead rail comfortably need only make their way to a vertical rail of which there are many inside each car. DVA is now present on all lines and this allows passengers to clearly hear where they are and which station the train is approaching. Many lines also have visual displays inside each car.
I do not believe there is any room for affordable improvement.

 

[AlterEgo]

One thing which I've seen on a few other transit systems is an animated map showing where the train is along the route - I travel often and sometimes it's a job to work out how long there is until I have to get off if I've been absorbed in a newspaper or something.
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Also, I much prefer to be able to sit facing forward or backward. Witness D Stock, Bakerloo stock or similar for examples.

I don't particularly like sitting so that I'm Travelling sideways.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I agree that I don't like travelling sideways; I am not a crab. Judging from the number of standees at times when many sideways seats are available, Alter Ego and myself are not the only ones thinking like that!

Hanging on... I did find the older style traditional strap hangers ( the round holder on a spring loaded dangler ) much more comfortable to use than the present rails or loops. They looked better as well!

Mind you, I don't often hold on much anyway as I tend to do "tube balancing" if I can't get a seat...

 

[coupwotcoup]

I have always like the tube and in all my years, rarely encountered major problems. Also, I prefer to stand, regardless of distance and was a champion surfer between Stratford and Chancery Lane for eons! (Once you have mastered the section between Liverpool Street and Bank, the rest is plain sailing!

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Errr... might be better to use the term I use ( "balancing" ) as "surfing" could be misconstrued in railway terms couldn't it?

 

[coupwotcoup]

Good point and well made....still fun though, even at my age..

 

[Bedpan]

I don't disagree with anything that has been said already, first on my wish list would be forward/backward facing seats - particularly on London Overground services (Yes, I know you are asking about the Underground, and those too.

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned is doors. Invariably there is an "open door" button but I have been on a train where the doors have not opened regardless of whether or not the button has been pressed. There's nothing worse than travelling on an above ground section of the Underground in the middle of winter when every door opens at every station (well 50% of doors to be strictly accurate bearing in mind they only open on the platform side) allowing an icy wind to circulate through the carriage every couple of minutes.

Alter Ego's suggestion of an amimated map would be an excellenty improvement too, and perhaps higher windows and doors so taller people can see out when standing.

 

[MCR247]

Alter Ego's suggestion of an amimated map would be an excellenty improvement too, and perhaps higher windows and doors so taller people can see out when standing.

Curved glass like on the 92ts is expensive, hence why it wasn't done again!

 

[Yew]

Maybe some refurbishments of the interior, Some stock (I can't remember which). Is starting to look very old inside (the beige plastics, and worn seats) don't make it a nice place to be. Especially when it's packed.

 

[coupwotcoup]

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned is doors. Invariably there is an "open door" button but I have been on a train where the doors have not opened regardless of whether or not the button has been pressed. There's nothing worse than travelling on an above ground section of the Underground in the middle of winter when every door opens at every station (well 50% of doors to be strictly accurate bearing in mind they only open on the platform side) allowing an icy wind to circulate through the carriage every couple of minutes.

Alter Ego's suggestion of an amimated map would be an excellenty improvement too, and perhaps higher windows and doors so taller people can see out when standing.

I don't think the 'Open Door' buttons have ever worked on the Central Line.
Some doors are a tad too urgent when closing, Jubilee mainly especially for older peeps and youngsters.

 

[Deerfold]

I don't think the 'Open Door' buttons have ever worked on the Central Line.
Some doors are a tad too urgent when closing, Jubilee mainly especially for older peeps and youngsters.

Thery did, but they were activated by the driver - I don't think they were ever used in the underground sections.

 

[Bedpan]

Hi guys,

2) Could you tell me if holding on in the tube is a problem,

Yes, thinking about it, for those of us over 60 a few "Gentlemens" at various locations would be welcome for longer journeys.

 

[announcements]

Maybe some refurbishments of the interior, Some stock (I can't remember which). Is starting to look very old inside (the beige plastics, and worn seats) don't make it a nice place to be. Especially when it's packed.

I think you're referring to the 1992 stock here! They should most definitely have stuck to a white colour scheme as proposed in the mock-up.

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In response to question 2, I found it much easier to hold onto the bobble hangers than the horizontal grab bars.

 

[district]

Passenger door operation buttons to be removed...

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Passenger door operation buttons to be removed...

Those haven't actually operated the doors for years anyway.