Nice people thread 2 - now even nicer

lemonjelly

Thanks LIR!

The mobility isn't major, it is a foot problem which can lead to inability to walk.

I think I'm more looking for info on how to use the tube, how to know where you're going, when to get off, which queue to join & the like.

It is the most basic of basics I'm asking!:D

PasturesNew

tomterm8 wrote: »

I am not Martin in disguise. However, I have gizmos set up so that if I ever click on a web page with a virus on it, I get a dinky little warning. I also routinely go through google, which scans web sites for viruses, and is pretty good at warning you if a web site has been hijacked. I also have my system set up so that it runs a full virus check every day.

You might be interested in a Firefox Add on that shows you what's being tracked on sites.

Just go to http://www.ghostery.com/ and install it, then when you're on a website it shows you in a list in the top right hand corner what tracking is there... e.g. google analytics, etc

It's actually annoying as it's in the way I find ... but you might like it.

silvercar

For Lemonjelly:

http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en

You get set options like find a route with the minimum amount of walking.

If you know which journeys you need to take, it may be worth asking here as there are probably enough of us that know individual stations to advise.

lostinrates

lemonjelly wrote: »

Thanks LIR!

The mobility isn't major, it is a foot problem which can lead to inability to walk.

I think I'm more looking for info on how to use the tube, how to know where you're going, when to get off, which queue to join & the like.

It is the most basic of basics I'm asking!:D

Easy peasy: tube map! There are directional indicators (map segments) on each plat form and if you are pottering about for foot comfort just check them. If you get on the wrong tube/direction just get off at next station and go back!;);)

To get out of right exit at street level each exit is marked but frankly, I find it easier to go out of any exit and find my bearings at street level with an A to Z. Just don't panic, and if you go to the wrong place, enjoy being lost, I've found some of my favourite places like that.

tomterm8

Er, one thing is, if you've never been on the tube, it's important not just to know the tube line you are taking, but also the direction, since sometimes platforms are in different places.

lostinrates

tomterm8 wrote: »

Er, one thing is, if you've never been on the tube, it's important not just to know the tube line you are taking, but also the direction, since sometimes platforms are in different places.

which is why you check the picture/map at the entrance to platform.

and the front of the tube itself if the line branches

PasturesNew

Problems I've found when using the tube and being clueless:

- unsure if machines will eat your tickets, if the ticket is needed again
- not sure which direction you're going in as you get there and find it's all about North/South, East/West
- didn't know that one side of the escalators is for standing on - and the other side is for people in a rush to run past
- unsure if fellow passengers are terrorists, or if I look like one as I become anxious
- not knowing how to buy a ticket at all, not understanding it at all .... but you can find a person at a little window that sells tickets
- once with an American friend who had bought some ticket for a week or so (oyster?) and they asked me to help them to find out when it ran out/how to top it up/what to do ... and being completely clueless and there was a machine that meant nothing to either of us, so we still never knew the answer.
- buying a ticket on one day to go from the train station to a place, but getting off the train a stop early and leaving the station, then realising it wasn't the right place - and not knowing whether I was allowed now to go back down and get the next train one more stop or not, or what would happen, or if the ticket would be gobbled .... so I wandered around asking random people on the streets where I should be (probably not the best idea, but I am completely oblivious to stranger danger)

lostinrates

PasturesNew wrote: »

Problems I've found when using the tube and being clueless:

- unsure if machines will eat your tickets, if the ticket is needed again

Use a day ticket or an oyster card
- not sure which direction you're going in as you get there and find it's all about North/South, East/West

tube map!
- didn't know that one side of the escalators is for standing on - and the other side is for people in a rush to run past

Copy person in front and it says ''stand on right' on signs the whole way up in case you forget.
- unsure if fellow passengers are terrorists, or if I look like one as I become anxious

I always look weird. Can't help with that. I don't like it when someone pinches you especially when you can't see who it is when its very busy. Tube pinchers....please stop it, it can't be that thrilling and its distinctly odd.
- not knowing how to buy a ticket at all, not understanding it at all .... but you can find a person at a little window that sells tickets

exactly, most of the ticket people are lovely. ) I recommend the horrid oyster though, you can manage it on line I think which would suit you PN.
- once with an American friend who had bought some ticket for a week or so (oyster?) and they asked me to help them to find out when it ran out/how to top it up/what to do ... and being completely clueless and there was a machine that meant nothing to either of us, so we still never knew the answer.

At ticket booth they can check it. Don't put it in handbag near mobile phone or credit cards....it can wipe the chip and steal money...I don't know how or why.
- buying a ticket on one day to go from the train station to a place, but getting off the train a stop early and leaving the station, then realising it wasn't the right place - and not knowing whether I was allowed now to go back down and get the next train one more stop or not, or what would happen, or if the ticket would be gobbled .... so I wandered around asking random people on the streets where I should be (probably not the best idea, but I am completely oblivious to stranger danger)

For that sort of reason, in managing your situation, travel card (or travel card fee on the oyster, which converts it automatically to cheapest fare) is a good idea. You can take time to breathe, re address your maps if you like, and know you can get on/off as often as you like/ need to/make mistakes.



Do those answers help? If not ask again and I'll try and give better answers

GDB2222

"Copy person in front and it says ''stand on right' on signs the whole way up in case you forget. "

Quite, so sit on the left? And don't forget that dogs must be carried. Most people seem to break this rule. Must be a shortage of dogs.

I fully accept that it's a bit of a mystery unless you are used to it.

One point, PN, is that most platforms come in pairs, ie Northbound and Southbound are next to each other, and there is normally a complete list of stations served by that platform at the entrance.

I don't like using the Underground much, myself, and I was born here.

misskool

LJ: most underground stations are not particularly disabled friendly. It would be best to try and get the overground trains (where possible) followed by buses.