travellng around London in public transport

[ferdiethedesigner]

Hello Cyber-mums

I am a product designer currently researching (for academic purposes) the conflict between parents with prams and public transport in general. I had this idea after hearing the dreadful stories from a friend who had twins. She is a single mum and has no car. I haven't got a children yet, but I am in my 30's so it shouldn't be long before I am!

So I would love to hear from you. If you could please take a minute to comment on the questions below it would be great!

What do you think about London's transport network for parents with children?

Which is the best/worst type of transport?

Who is the most helpful/unhelpful towards you and the pram?

I hope to hear from you. Many thanks!!

I think the main thing to bear in mind is that what parents with prams experience is probably a microcosm of what wheelchair users experience in their attempts to get round the city.

Anyway, I think London's transport network is okay for parents with children in prams. It could be better but it could be worse. It's best for those with lightweight foldable prams in my opinion!

The best type of transport in terms of ease is the bus, however it's less reliable than the tube because if there are 2 prams on it already you won't get on! The problem with the tube is that many stations have flights of stairs to negotiate & you don't always get help from others (although I have to say you mostly do).

Definitely get the feeling other users of the tube in particular frown upon prams on tubes at busy hours. Any one can be helpful - tends to be women who are mothers themselves or young men. Most of the time people do help.

Thanks Iskra. I have spoken to mums, bus drivers, and people in general. People can be helpful. I agree about the pram. I went to mothercare and looked around and on the sellings points they never mention "ease of use in transport" . Perhaps is something manufactures should be more aware. Desingers when design them, and consumers when buy them.

I have now moved out of London but IMO the tube is quite a nightmare mainly because the stations where I tend to get off didn't have lifts and impossible to "bump" any type of double buggy up stairs. (Also v difficult with single buggy!) Completely reliant on assistance of strangers (no difference between men/women in their helpfulness to be honest). Most people walk straight past even when struggling but if you ask anyone they always stop and help - i think people on the tube are in their own world and don't notice half the time! Also can't travel on busy routes or at busy times as can't physically get buggy into a busy carriage.