The Tube
The underground rail network - known as The Tube - consists of nearly 300 stations and transports several million passengers every day. Each station is clearly marked with the well-known symbol (at right).
The Tube is fairly user-friendly, albeit crowded at rush hour and during summer. Once the most extensive and modern metro system in the world, the Tube has suffered from chronic under-funding in recent decades, and is a favourite topic of discontent amongst commuters. Despite this, services are frequent and the safety record excellent.
Given the size of the network, it is helpful to have a wallet-sized map of The Tube to help you get your bearings. These can be downloaded from www.thetube.com for personal use.
The best Tube tickets to buy are almost invariably Travelcards. Travelcards can be bought for one day, one week, or one month, and allow unlimited transport on train and bus services within the zones specified. Travelcards can be bought at train and Tube stations (at the ticket counter or from the automated machines), at newsagents who display a Pass Agent sign, or online at www.ticket-online.co.uk. Note that for weekly and monthly travelcards you will need to supply a passport-sized photo of yourself at the time of purchase. One day travelcards cannot be used before 9.30am.
For travel information for The Tube, contact www.thetube.com.
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