im travelling to london at the weekend and i have to use the underground. this may sound silly but im petrified of using the underground.
am i being silly???
2007-02-09 01:49:02 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ London
I can see why you don't like it. It's so hectic. Head up though.
2007-02-09 01:58:30 · answer #1 · answered by Sluugy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Tube is 'safe'. There are CCTV cams everywhere. The BTP (British Transport Police) are on hand if you need them. There are security points on every platform and if you feel threatened all you need to do is punch the button and you'll be in immediate contact with the station's security. They will come to your platform at once and protect you. Other travellers will also come to your aid. Do not worry. London is a great city and it's safe to use the Tube.
If you have serious worry or fear about using the Tube there are lots of big red buses going your way. If you are not sure about them and you have the money, you can take a cab a London cabbie will get you to your destination.
The 'fear' which people have about Tube travel or just being in London, is due entirely to 'press hype'. London is far safer now than it was when I was a child. In those far of halcyon days, London was being bombed by the Luftwaffe - that was really very scary, but we all pulled through. So, chin up. London is the most heavily defended city on earth. Worry not.
I have been a regular user of the Tube in London since 1941. I have never been attacked by anyone. What's more, most Londoner's hardly ever even speak to each other.
There are simple rules to London. They are, 'sorry mate' if you accidentally bump into someone and 'excuse me' if you want to get past someone, and, not forgetting 'thank you' everytime someone helps you or gives you directions.
You'll need a Tube Map. This is the famous styalized map of the London Underground. It's free and you can pick one up at any Tube station.
If you plan on staying in London for more than a few days, get yourself an Oyster Card. You need a passport photo and you can get your Oyster Card at any Tube Station and load it up with upto fifty pounds worth of pre-pay fares. It's the cheapest way to travel in London unless you happen to be a pensioner like me and own a London Freedom Pass. Us pensioner's get 'free travel' after 9am on the Tube and Buses and after 9.30am on the railway.
2007-02-11 19:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not being silly If you have a phobia of closed in spaces there is a need to worry. If you are going about on your own...use your eyes and ears well. In some underground tubes there are railway police. There are cameras on each end of the platform. follow people that look like tourists and that can be a help.
2007-02-12 05:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No i dont think you are being silly i hate the underground to
But there is more chance of anything happening above the underground then below it
so just try to relax and enjoy yourself
2007-02-09 01:55:09 · answer #4 · answered by Black Orchid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are being very silly. At the same time, it depends on where in London you'll be. All underground staions are safe and have CCTV. You're obviously not from London...but I live here and I do feel more safe on the tube than on the bus. As long as you don't get drunk alone at night and walk around naked, I think you'll be fine.
2007-02-09 01:53:48 · answer #5 · answered by ~♥~mama-to-be~♥~ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just remember that thousands of people travel on the underground on a daily basis. Find out what your route is and be safe. If you really don't want to use it check out bus routes. Take a look at the Transport for London website for assistance, routes and maps. Enjoy your visit.
2007-02-09 01:53:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Nope - I wont set foot on the underground anymore. Im not so scared of terrorists, rather the frequent stopping with no explaination in the heat of a tunnel inside an overcrowded train. Freaks me right out!! Id pay for a cab anyday!
2007-02-09 12:57:54 · answer #7 · answered by Rachel B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
using the underground to travel around London is the quickest and cheapest form of travel,getting on a crowded tube standing next to someone who's been sweating is the annoying part ,its safe and reliable
2007-02-09 02:10:58 · answer #8 · answered by angie n 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The underground is a very dauting place, just remember which way you are going , north or south. If I can do it so can you. You can't go wrong if you read the signs. I hope you've got a map. Good luck!
2007-02-09 01:56:13 · answer #9 · answered by Judy S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all, there are a number of reasons why I would be scared, mainly due to the fact that it is very confusing! There are other reasons but I don't want to scare you more!
However you will be fine and you're certainly not silly!
Hope you have a nice weekend!
2007-02-09 01:55:07 · answer #10 · answered by little_miss_mystical 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, fear of crowds and claustrophobia are very understandable feelings. Many people share your fears. If you buy a one day travel card.... you can stick to Busses, it may take a little longer but you can cross the entire capital on the bus network.
Get a friend to hold your hand if you can, amnd brave it.... you do get used to it.
2007-02-09 02:00:09 · answer #11 · answered by mittobridges@btinternet.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋