Let’s face it; taking the tube is usually not your cup of tea. With the delays, crowds and often being generally uncomfortable it can be really tough. Then think of the pluses, the tube has the best safety record in the world, and when it does work, it gets you around London much faster than driving or taking the bus.
For example, there was a recent incident where the doors opened on a Piccadilly train that was moving between stations. It did cause several delays, but as a result of the rigorous testing and safety regulations that are in place, no one was injured.
Even the design of the trains is such that it tries to minimise the possibility of passengers being injured if the doors do open. This has happened in the past, the doors opened slightly on the Piccadilly line between stations. No one was injured then either, but it did start an investigation as to whether or not the trains on that particular line should be replaced sooner than they are scheduled as they are some of London’s oldest trains.
London Transport has been discussing how and when to upgrade these trains, especially for safety reasons.
So often tube riders are unhappy with the delays in service but with 1.305b passengers annually, London transport isn’t doing too badly. Also, with the last passenger death due to train operation occurring in 1975, well that type of safety record is impressive.
So the next time you are expressing your frustration with the delays, perhaps you can remember you are taking one of the safest trains in the world, and that mostly get you where you need to be on time. Perhaps then the delay will be slightly less annoying.