To ask transport for London staff to help at station escalators

[Albertatata]

I'm a long term Londoner and very happy travelling with my children on public transport but I arrive back into London tomorrow evening probably at about 6pm on my own with a 2.9yr old and a 9 month old, pram & large bag.

I am usually happy in escalators with pram whilst husband takes toddler. Would it be unreasonable to ask station member to help by holding toddlers hand whilst we travel dowb escalators to northern line at euston. I'll be fine once we are on tube and fine at London bridge as there is a lift - it's just at euston station

Do you think they would do it?

It's an uncomfortable walk in the rush hour as the pavements are crowded, but I agree with the others that you can hop on a bus just outside the station, by pret, get off at British Library and cut through to the side entrance of st Pancras station on the Midland Road past the taxi rank, to the rear of the station, where you can catch a first capital connect train to London Bridge. MUCH easier than tube, as there's a lift down to platform A.

Map here: stpancras.com/media/218100/st_pancras_international_station_map_20140801.pdf

I think quite a lot of stations run on minimum numbers. I don't think there is enough of them to go round.

I'm not sure if staff would refuse to help with a toddler on an escalator. Depends on the member of staff I suppose and if they can leave the gateline to do so.

Definitely walk the short distance to Kings Cross.

The passenger assistance TFL has won't cover mums with buggies - only disabilities. Iv asked.

Conditions of Carriage do state that you are supposed to be able to manage by yourself. Back in the days before staff levels were cut members of staff would be happy to assist but the problem is that things are so tight that it is unlikely they would be able to leave their position unattended. The company sends 'mystery shoppers' out to see if barriers/platforms are unmanned and staff can be disciplined over it. Some stations have a rostered staff member specifically for assisting the visibility/mobility impaired as they have so many regulars (think moorfields eye hospital and similar) however many of these jobs are to be cut in 2015. Unfortunately this kind of assistance is going to be a thing of the past in London.

Do it all the time - with 4 mo old and 2.2 yr old. Put toddler in buggy and baby in a sling. Then you can take buggy up escalator easily. Or put toddler in sling. Easy peasy

At 6pm I wouldn't. It's rush hour. Staff aren't allowed to help. Other travellers will but at 6pm Its very busy.

As others have said staff won't help but a random person will. I trave around londo ls the time with my 3 children (one in a buggy) people always help.

Sorry I've skimmed but please check the tfl website for Euston. .. On the vic line today they said there was "reduced escalator service" there

I would go to KX every time over Euston, it's complex but a lot easier and safer. Buses run down there if you don't want to walk.

Station staff aren't allowed to help, most Londoners are good sorts and will help with prams rather than holding toddlers IME.

There is no down escalator service at Euston until November I think. It's spiral staircase to Northern and Vic line If I were you I'd take another route with step free access Maybe walk along to King's Cross

I agree that you should find another route.

I got to Euston recently and found that the final escalator to the southbound northern platform was currently out of service. I folded the buggy (Mclaren ok to carry on one arm) stuck baby on opposite hip and walked down the spiral staircase on the outer edge where it is wider.

I have done baby in sling and toddler in buggy/Toddker with backpack on regionand baby in buggy combinations frequently in the past and always manage. But on this occasion I suggest you opt for an easier solution.

Franksaysno, would your 2.9 year old have known when to step on and off an escalator without help? Mine needs help to get on at the right time and frequently misses a step so you have to help him adjust his feet.

Thanks folks I didn't know about the reduced escalator service. Earliest I can get back is 5pm today. Sling not an option as not got it with me. Pain to walk to kings cross with toddler (who will not have had a nap as we are visiting grandparents today too on the way back to london).

I think bus to kings cross is the best option - or maybe just cab depending on how horrific the train journey is!

Just to be clear, you want help with the toddler not the pram?

I would ask the staff. They aren't supposed to, but they might. The 205 bus goes from Euston to King's Cross btw

Thanks everyone toddler had a major meltdown on the platform once he got off the train so a lovely virgin guy gave me the number for a minicab service and I got a taxi door to door £28 - worth every penny! Toddler and baby slept in the minicab the whole way and I stated out of the window dreaming about wine.

Good - now don't dream about it, get stuck in and drink it!

Enjoy the wine...

God bless taxis :) (and wine)

10 min walk to St Pancras then Thameslink. Easy! People will definitely hold your dds hand on escalator. No way would I take the pram and have a 2.9 year old hold on to it on the escalator.