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Tube strike 22nd Feb

12 replies

FV45 · 16/02/2017 10:06

So, DS1 has an interview starting at 11am at Imperial.

He will be coming from Cambridge way, so getting on the tube at Tottenham Hale.
It's the Central Line that will be closed and he's not on that line, but of course the rest of the network will be very busy.

He's fine travelling around London, but we have little experience of doing so when there are strikes on.
How much extra time should he allow?

Maybe I should post this on a travel topic as well!

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RedHelenB · 16/02/2017 12:18

If it's not peak period he may be ok?

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FV45 · 16/02/2017 13:21

Well, that's what I don't know and why I am asking!

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RedHelenB · 16/02/2017 13:28

look at buses as well and maybe allow an extra hour? If he arrives early then he can always wait with a cuppa.

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RedHelenB · 16/02/2017 13:30

Sorry, not based in London so Im only guessing but make sure he has money for a taxi as a last resort?

If it were me I would book a hotel near UCL the night before so he can walk.

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FV45 · 16/02/2017 13:32

Grin It's Imperial! We are only 50 mins on the train from London, I'm not booking a hotel for him.

I was hoping someone who has experience of getting around the city on the day of a tube strike would be able to advise.

I just want to make the day as easy as possible for the poor lad.
Next week is mocks, mocks, interview, mocks.

I shall feed him delicious treats to help him through.

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RedHelenB · 16/02/2017 13:37

Try not to worry. Worse case scenario is that he will just end up being early - happened to my dd when booked train was cancelled so she got an earlier one that was running late.

Make sure he has the relevant phone number and if he is held up he can let them know. Others will be in the same position after all.

On the bright side, there is time for the strike to be cancelled!

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aginghippy · 16/02/2017 13:44

Well done to him for getting an interview at Imperial!

As he won't be using the Central line, I don't think he needs to allow any extra time on account of the strike. IME the other lines being busy just means he might have to stand at times when he would normally get at seat. The Victoria line is very quick.

And yes, the strike could be cancelled. The last round of strikes was called off the day before.

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ThisNight · 16/02/2017 13:44

Rush hour is always the worst, obviously. One line down can have a huge impact on other lines, especially if they run similar route - for example met line and jubilee line. However the worse should be over by the time he needs to get to London.

He should be okay, but I would definitely allow extra time just in case. Check the TFL in the morning to make sure the Victoria line is okay.

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Billiecat · 16/02/2017 13:47

If its only the central line, the Victoria Line at Tottenham Hale will probably be ok, especially after 9am. I would give it an extra hour and be prepared to get on the tube going north (you can stay on when it turns round at Walthamstow) if its really busy.

On days when the whole network is down I get the over ground to Liverpool Street and walk 40 mins at the other end.

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FV45 · 16/02/2017 17:13

Thanks all. I feel reassured that London won't grind to a halt and he'll be running to his interview!

I will make sure he has the department number in case he does get held up (good to have that anyway).

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Pipkinhartley · 17/02/2017 16:12

I work in Holborn ( when I have to go in to the office) and on strike days, I've just found it easier to walk. (Nicer in any case, tend to walk more regardless.)
He should be fine as will be getting on Victoria line in zone 3 so may get a space and travel through to Victoria, Imperial is easily walkable from there to save him the hassle of changing for a couple of stops.
My DS had his interview at Imperial at the end of January, we travelled in to Euston and had a nice walk across Hyde Park. Left him to it once we were close by. He loved the campus and the lunch got a huge thumbs up!
Good luck to your DS!

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FV45 · 22/02/2017 19:10

Reporting a successful day for my son.
Travel was fine, he got there in plenty of time.
The interview went well and I'm just about to feed him enchiladas.

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