The Tube: the Subway’s Cuter Step Sister

By Sveta Chintakayala <3

Hello USWIB adventurers and future globe-trotters! As your study abroad liaison, it’s my delight to whisk you away (through words, at least) to the charming city of London and its equally charming mode of transportation, the London Underground — affectionately known as the Tube. Because it really is giving TUBE. Though we will forever love her, today I thought I’d tell you why many, including myself, find the Tube to be a step above our beloved NYC Subway.

Sparkling Cleanliness

**First off, cleanliness.**

Anyone who has traveled on both systems can attest that the Tube often feels like it's in a league of its own. The stations and platforms are kept remarkably clean, which makes for a more pleasant journey, whether you're commuting or exploring.
**Rarely do I come across a puddle of mystery liquid**, an overflowing trash can, or a questionable substance sitting on the bench. Oh and don’t get me wrong, while I do love running into (and away from) our little mice friends on the Subway platforms, sometimes it’s nice to end the night knowing you aren’t about to be chased by rabid wildlife <3

Contactless Convenience

**Now, let’s talk technology and efficiency.**

This is something I have noticed about London in general: **THEY DO NOT WANT OUR GERMS PERIODDD**! The Tube embraces a fully contactless system for which you can utilize an Oyster card — MetroCard dupe — or a contactless debit or credit card. You need to tap in and tap out at barriers, which are conveniently split into 2 sides to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. This setup REALLY helps to reduce congestion and makes the commuting experience much more fluid!

Punctuality and Clarity

**The frequency of the trains is another point of pride.**

During peak times, you might wait only 1-2 minutes for the next train, making Tube lines incredibly reliable and efficient for managing that notorious London rush. And **when it comes to announcements? Clear as day!** The volume and diction of the overhead speakers are set so that you can easily hear updates about delays or other essential info, whereas in NYC you’re left trying to decipher the mumbled gibberish of any announcement.

Accessibility and Information

**Accessibility is key in London’s Underground.**

Most major stations are equipped with lifts (elevators), making them accessible to everyone. Additionally, **automated announcements keep you informed about which side the doors will open** on because they do in fact open both sides and… it’s embarrassing not knowing :)

Of course, no system is without its drawbacks….

Traveler’s Trouble

The Tube’s fare system is, unfortunately, based on the distance traveled, with different zones costing more. If you forget to tap out, you might be charged the maximum fare for that zone — a steep but avoidable penalty. Additionally, unlike the Subway, the Tube doesn’t run 24/7. Most lines close around midnight and open up again at 5 AM, which can be a limitation if you're a night owl… or coming back from a night out.

Compact but Comfortable

Yes, the Tube cars are a bit more snug compared to NYC’s Subway cars. However, they make up for it with considerably more comfortable seating - a small price to pay for salvation.

Ocean Deep

When they named it the London Underground, I promise you they were not playing. If you aren’t taking 1 lift down to the platform, you’re likely taking anywhere from 1-4 escalators down. Now, this seems annoying, but honestly the machinery is rarely broken and Londoners are really just trying to go about their day (just make sure you keep to the right-hand side if you’re not in a rush).