Help me map the Tube's Baby buggy friendly stations

[willc]

Hi all,

Just posted this on the Geek board, but thought your travellers would be able to help out too.

I'm a not so new Dad (my son is 6 months old on Nov 16th) and my partner and I are increasingly narked by the Tube's lack of access.

We don't have a car (never needed one in London) so use the Tube a lot. We've started taking buses to buggy friendly stations and walking more to avoid the worst of the stairs.

I've also started making a list of the best and worst Tube stations on Facebook (www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6739041830) and it'd be great if Mumsnetters would help out.

I've rated stations as Easy, Awkward and Avoid with a brief description of each. We use the Northern and Piccadily lines most so should have those covered soon. Other lines we hardly use at all (Central, Jubilee, Bakerloo) so if you've got any info that'd be just grand!

I know the main map shows step free stations, but it's pretty limited. There's a lot more mums and dads could use that only have a few stairs.

The aim is to produce a comprehensive list and then maybe print a not for profit map that could be got to new couples somehow.

It'd be great to see you on the group.

Cheers,

Will

This info is on TFL's website. I think there is a section called Tube Guru, and it gives you all the extra info about stations.

Hi Scary Science, cheers for the suggestion. I've used Tube Guru a few times, but if you click on stations you just get details of local attractions not station access.

I've found a detailed accessibility guide (on www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/1108.aspx although it keeps crashing my machine) but there's actually too much info!

the accessibility guide is pretty complete but tricky to read

I think your map is a good idea, but could I just suggest using a sling with your baby instead of a pushchair when going across London? I personally find it so awkward to use a pushchair in London (or when travelling by train in general) that I used a sling in preference, even when my son was coming up to 3 years old. It is so much easier and more pleasant, and you are not taking up vast amounts of space on the tube with a pushchair.

I would agree with the idea of avoiding the tube if you can! Even if a station is step-free, that doesn't mean that you'll find buggy space on the train.

The only journey I take that's fairly civilised is from London Bridge going east to Docklands (eg Canary Wharf).

On the other hand, buses are soooo much better nowadays. The bus lanes and C-charge have speeded everything up. There's lots of room, and people are generally willing to help where needed.

I find the tube quite easy outside rush hour and a lot better than the buses round here

I took a bus on Friday and had to fold the buggy and stand with the baby. Noone even offered a seat to the 80 year old lady next to me

The Jubillee line south from Baker Street is fine. Baker Street itself (my local station) is buggy friendly on the bakerloo and jubilee lines, but ht eother lines all have steps. From some of those lines, you can take a flight of steps down from the platforms (I always find down easier) and then join to an escalator to take you up. Swiss Cottage on the Jubilee line is all steps.

I always used a sling with DS on public transport in London -- wouldn't consider using the Tube with a buggy, even the more accessible stations. And as for buses...

Ditto the sling idea - with a good one you can even carry a toddler. Also means you have both hands free which is very handy when you've got other kids to keep track of.

OK, can someone help a facebook novice please? I have information to add about tube stations. I have found the baby buggy friendly tube page, but can't work out how to post messages on it, and can't work out how to join the group.