I just watched a marvelous TV program about the history of the London Underground on the (US Cable TV) "History Channel". Their website description of the program ... "7:00PM - 8:00PM (GMT-4 hrs) The London Underground "Deep beneath London runs a complex network of many miles of tunnels; and, while traffic congests the roads above, hundreds of trains run through these iron and concrete arteries, carrying millions of people into, around, and out of the City. Here is the story of the "Tube", the world's first underground railway, which holds London together--from its opening in January 1863, through its deep-level expansion and electrification, to the fully automated trains of the 21st Century's Jubilee Line." I could not find a reference to this program on the History Channel Website, but I was very impressed by the positive presentation of the producers and director .... ! Maybe someone else who wants to follow up on this story will have more luck with the website .... ? [ 16. August 2002, 00:26: Message edited by: Hank Coolidge ]
Tha "tube" is a vital part of London's people-moving systems. I have always found it the best way to get around London, without getting lost!
I don't think you overstated it Hank when you said it holds London together, without it and the connecting ex-BR lines London just would not function. With the possible exception of New York, I don't think any US city relies on it's rapid transit system to the same degree. One possible correction, the Jubilee line extension didn't go into service with automatic operation, I don't know if that has started yet? It is an amazing line though, with certain stations that are worth a visit just for the "wow" factor alone, descending the escalator into Canary Wharf station is like dropping through the roof into an underground post-modern cathedral... Another place worth visiting is Edgware Road, go to the Circle/Hammersmith & City line platforms, these were part of the original Paddington to Farringdon line that was the worlds first underground railway, originally broad guauge and steam hauled. The station here was restored in the late 80's (I think) and has loads of character, just east of the platform ends there is the junction with the Metropolitan, and you can watch the trains bounce over the junction in the darkness, with the arcing electricity from the electric rails lighting up the tunnel walls, very cool! [ 16. August 2002, 16:28: Message edited by: Martyn Read ]
