London Public Transport and Double Buggies -- Thoughts/Experience?

[eversomuch]

I am currently obsessed with trying to find the best double buggy for when DS arrives in a few months. He and DD will be 19 months apart. There is a good chance I will be having a c-section, so I won't be able to rely on slings/carriers for several weeks so will definitely need a double buggy. Also, I don't have a car, so I get around by foot, bus and Tube. Therefore, I need a buggy that is going to work on public transport, including getting up and down stairs (with help, of course -- I am not shy about asking for it and let me just say that Londoners have proved themselves more than willing to help).

I'd assumed I would need an inline buggy (first choice right now is probably the P&T Promenade), but I've also been informed that the Mountain Buggy Duet is only 63cm wide -- about as wide as many singles. My concerns here is that it will be perceived as much wider because it's a side-by-side, and I'm afraid that will lead to bus drivers refusing me access, or to arguments with other passengers who think I'm taking up more space than I should be.

I'd really appreciate hearing from other hardcore public transport users. Which buggies have you found most suitable for travel on the Tube and buses? Thank you!

I'd also post this in chat to get more traffic :)

Thanks, milk. I didn't realise there was a general chat forum. :)

I have an icandy peach for my DTs and it is fine for getting on buses and tubes. The train is tricky as I can't physically lift it with my DTs in, and the gap at my station is about two feet! Its fine if I have someone with me though.

My friend has the mountain buggy duet and she gets on buses all the time. I think as long as you don't try to travel in rush hour you'll be fine

'wide as many singles' = too wide to get on a bus. Many singles can't get through the seats to reach the wheelchair space + while many drivers will let you on the back doors with a large one, many won't esp in rush hour. Get an in line if you are going to use buses at all. And they look better for carrying up stairs and much easier for squeezing in the train vestibules.

I have the duet. Same age gap, in central london and use the bus all the time.
I ask the driver to open the back door and they always do it. I have not had any problems. I tap my oyster then go in the back.

If there is a small single buggy already on I can fit as well. But if the bus is packed with people...well then I just wait as its not worth it. But to be honest I do the same thing when I have my single.

The duet is amazing. I love it. People do think its big, but I fit everywhere with it and people are always surprised. The only negative is that it is big and bulky folded...but I never do..its just for getting around town, so its perfect.

I forgot to add. No one I know that has any double uses the tube. Its a nightmare, double width or tandem, doesn't matter. its the weight/bulk with two kids getting up and down the steps.

unless you go a 'step free' route