Transport in London
5 May 2011
There are many options in getting around London. Typically we think of using a taxi or bus, or the world famous Tube. One can also use rail service, and even that provides for options. National Rail is used for travel throughout England, Scotland and Wales but it can also be used between London stations. London Overground and the Docklands Light Rail provide additional rail service in London. For transport information see Transport for London.
Types of Transport
This section of the Good London Guide has the following chapters:
Black Cab (urban car service)
Crossrail (urban rail service)
Dockland Light Railway (urban rail service)
London Overground (urban rail service)
National Rail & Thameslink (national rail service)
(Eurostar is in the Transport to London section)
Red Bus (urban bus service)
Tramlink
Underground (urban rail service)
How to Pay
Each chapter has how-to-pay information, but the separate chapter has additional information. All of the transport types come under the auspices of Transport for London (TfL) except for National Rail.
Journey Planner
Transport for London publishes a map in paper form and as a PDF that shows the routes stations of the tube system. The paper map is what is usually fond printed in books, magazines and other documents. It can be picked up at any tube station. This is commonly referred to as a journey planner. TfL also has a page on their site entitled Journey Planner (in Getting Around) so you can find how to get from one station to anther and the cost.
Connections
With a little bit of planning no area of London is inaccessible from public transport. One may have to hop a bus after a tube ride or take a train but the network is easily connected.
Luggage in Transit
Luggage or other packages left unattended may be subject to security seizure and destroyed. The fear of parcel bombs has been a concern in London for a long time. Items can be denied transport and subject to police search. Police in England have very broad stop and search authority.
People Having Special Concerns
(Students, Families, Children, Disabled & Elderly)
Transport for London has maps showing tube and rail stations that are step free for wheelchair users as well as for others with mobility issues.
Black Cab (urban car service)
Students, Families & Children
Allowances are made for children and young adults to travel at discount, but the rules vary with the different forms of public transport. As indicated, some schemes are not for tourists. See Transport for London for more details.
Children under 5 travel free on the Underground, Overground, Bus, Tram and National Rail if traveling with an adult who has a valid ticket. Photo cards not required for the children.
Up to 4 children (from 5 to 10) per adult who has a valid ticket, can travel free
Children from 5 to 10 can travel free on the Bus and Tram if:
They are travelling with an adult having a valid ticket. Photo cards for the children not required.
The 5 to 10 scheme is not for tourists if you are not travelling with an adult.
The 11 to 15 scheme is not for tourists.
The 16 and 17 scheme is not for tourists.
The 18+ scheme is not for tourists.
One needs to apply for a photo card with TfL here. Do so at least three weeks prior to arriving. If you are not a resident of London you are required to pay a non-refundable £10 charge. That’s 50p if you make 2 trips a day for 10 days.
Disabled & Elderly
Transport for London, on their Getting Around page has a link to Transport Accessibility, which give full details on navigating the network should have mobility issues. Be forewarned that London and its transport network are old and the designers never gave the thought to make it easy for everyone as well do today. They are working at it but it takes time.
The tube has steps and in as much there are lifts there are still steps. Some stations have wheelchair access but the tube in general is problematic.
Buses allow for wheelchairs and baby carriages. Please be advised that they have space near the rear doors and should they or the elderly come your way you should make way for them. Wheelchair users ride free on buses.
National Rail and London Overground can be difficult for people with mobility issues as getting on or off a train is not an easy endeavor.
The Docklands Light Railway is pretty much free of obstacles.
How to Pay
There are a number of ways to pay for public transport in London and by far cash is the most expensive way. Each chapter in this section lists methods of payment and the How to Pay chapter gives additional information.
One can buy a Bus Pass, Oyster Card (pay-as-you-go) or a Travel Card (paper or on an Oyster Card) from a Transport for London station (machine or agent) or from a third-party vendor. These are good for all modes of public transport except the taxis and mini-cabs.
Free Public Transport in London
Students and children may be able to travel on public transport for reduced fares or for free. Transport for London has information on this starting on their ticket page, and as I outlined above.
Seeking Assistance
Please be aware that TfL is trying to eliminate staff positions at stations and move people to use the ticket machines in a cost savings plan. This may save money but it can cause those of us not familiar with the machines to baffled at times when we need to make a selection after given several options.
Extra
Transport for London Website Issues
Transport for London (TfL) is the best source of information in getting around the city and beyond. They print a lot of the information in paper form and although I have found minor mistakes over the years (who doesn’t have something slip through?) they are very god. BUT, they seem to have problems with their website. Many of the links they provide do not open correctly. Some of the links I provide (to TfL) in my Guide may not open correctly.
Drinking & Smoking Ban
It is illegal to smoke or drink alcohol on any form of public transportation, including taxis and private hire cars. It is also illegal to or carry an open container of alcohol on any form of public transportation, including taxis and private hire cars.
Photographing Public Transport
You cannot take photographs (with flash) in the underground and in general you are not permitted to take photos without a permit from the London Underground Film Office. Flash is restricted to protect the train drivers, which is a safety issue. Taking photos could also cause safety concerns with passenger movement, which is a liability issue with LU.
London 2012
This third-part site, London2012.com has great information on the up-coming London Olympics and for getting to and fro go to their making it happen, transport page.