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I was watching a show about the Tube in London appropriately called 'The Tube'. I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm an American so it's a new show to me. Anyway, I couldn't help but notice how suddenly and quickly the tube doors close without warning. I'm going to London next year and doubt I'll be riding the tube, I'll probably just take a bus or taxi, but just so I know... about how long do they give you before the doors slam shut? And is there any kind of warning that I just didn't see on the show?
And are there any tube stations I should just avoid as a tourist, like if they're too dangerous or something like that?
Those must of been old i bet it was the old victoria line stock or the bakerloo line.
Anyway you won't get crushed to death by the doors all tube lines will annouce when the doors are closing it goes something like this 'please stand clear of the doors' and you must know the famous 'please mind the gap between the train and the platform' and with a beaping sound or just the beaping sound.
I guess I am Jezer. I was just shocked as some woman tried to step on the train behind her husband, and it shut as soon as he got on, and she was not able to follow! It's good to know they do give you some kind of warning...
The people you see getting stuck in the doors have already chosen to ignore the warning about the closing doors. Even then, the train will not move off until all the doors are properly closed.
As a tourist, it's extremely likely you'll get a tube, as it's by far the easiest way to get between the most popular areas. Taxis are an expensive luxury unless there are four or five of you to divide the fare between. Busses go to places the tube doesn't, but with over 600 bus routes, and the need for several separate maps covering different parts of the city, they take considably more time and effort to master than the tube network of 15 or so lines.
Is it enough warning though, that's the question. One would like to think that 2-3 seconds of warning is enough, but if you're already in the process of boarding when it sounds, you need to respond to it immediately otherwise you end up in an embarrassing situation. If you have problems with mobility, then you're already in trouble.
I was watching a show about the Tube in London appropriately called 'The Tube'. I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm an American so it's a new show to me. Anyway, I couldn't help but notice how suddenly and quickly the tube doors close without warning. I'm going to London next year and doubt I'll be riding the tube, I'll probably just take a bus or taxi, but just so I know... about how long do they give you before the doors slam shut? And is there any kind of warning that I just didn't see on the show?
And are there any tube stations I should just avoid as a tourist, like if they're too dangerous or something like that?
Thanks.
One thing you will have to watch out for is the gap. The "doors opening" will be voiced as will be the "doors closing" voiceover and there will also be a sound on the platform imploring you to "mind the gap" at various stations, some in prominent locations I can't remember where the worst are but it isn't as much of a hazard as it sounds.
I wouldn't even think about it because the Underground is very safe but a little common sense and awareness is required as you would suspect. Don't tread too close to the track before the train comes in etc... is one guideline alot of people usually choose to abide by or ignore and either way it doesn't usually make a difference.
I've stepped off plenty of trains oblivious to the gap but perhaps these kinds of warnings are more pertinent for passengers with disabilites who must take extra precaution.
Anyway, you'll be fine. The London Underground is very safe, if crowded at times.
If you do get 'caught' in the doors they wont cut you in half, there is a mechanism that will make them open again.
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